Impact of KIR/HLA ligand combinations on immune responses in malignant melanoma.
Tumor growth and dissemination depend partly on the reactivity of natural killer (NK) cells and T cells expressing NK-associated receptors. Their effector functions are regulated by an array of activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors with MHC class I ligand specificity, such as the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). Given the extensive genomic diversity of KIRs and their HLA ligands, it is reasonable to speculate that HLA, KIR gene variations and specific KIR-ligand combinations will have an impact on disease susceptibility and/or progression. Here, we discuss how KIR genotypes and KIR/HLA immunogenetic profiles may be involved in tumorigenesis, especially in malignant melanoma (MM). A hypothetical model of the impact of KIR/ligand combinations on immune responses in MM is proposed.
Central Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Alexandrovska, 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria. immun@alexandrovska-hospital.bg
Elissaveta
E
Naumova
Anastassia
A
Mihaylova
Milena
M
Ivanova
Snejina
S
Mihailova
D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008024:Ligands; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D054340:Receptors, KIR
D006680:HLA Antigens; D008024:Ligands; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR