Extending missing-self? Functional interactions between lectin-like NKrp1 receptors on NK cells with lectin-like ligands.
The functions of natural killer (NK) cells are clearly regulated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on their cellular targets. In mice, this is due to the action of MHC-specific inhibitory receptors belonging to the Ly49 family oflectin-like molecules. The Ly49 receptors are encoded in the NK gene complex (NKC) that contains clusters of genes for other lectin-like receptors on NK cells and other hematopoietic cells. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that some of these lectin-like receptors, belonging to the Nkrpl family, can recognize other lectin-like molecules, termed Clr, also encoded in the NKC. These genetically linked loci for receptor-ligand pairs suggest a genetic strategy to preserve this interaction and show several other contrasts with Ly49-MHC interactions. In this review, we discuss these issues and summarize recent developments concerning this non-MHC-dependent regulation of NK cell function.
Plougastel
B F M
BF
Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Yokoyama
W M
WM
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D000954:Antigens, Surface; C527203:KLRB1 protein, human; D037102:Lectins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008024:Ligands; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic