MHC class I molecules and KIRs in human history, health and survival.
MHC class I molecules are ligands for the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which are expressed by natural killer cells and T cells. The interactions between these molecules contribute to both innate and adaptive immunity. KIRs and MHC class I molecules are encoded by unlinked polymorphic gene families that distinguish all but the most related individuals. Combinations of MHC class I and KIR variants influence resistance to infections, susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and complications of pregnancy, as well as outcome after haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Such correlations raise the possibility that interplay between KIR and MHC class I polymorphisms has facilitated human survival in the presence of epidemic infections and has influenced both reproduction and population growth.
Parham
Peter
P
Departments of Structural Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. peropa@stanford.edu
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D054340:Receptors, KIR
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR