title: NKR-P1 biology: from prototype to missing self.
abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells represent lymphocytes of the innate immune system capable of recognizing and destroying a broad array of target cells, including tumors, virus-infected cells, antibodycoated cells, foreign transplants, and "stressed" cells. NK cells eliminate their targets through two main effector mechanisms, cytokine secretion and cell-mediated cytotoxicity, which in turn depend on detection of target cells through a complex integration of stimulatory and inhibitory receptor-ligand interactions. The NKR-P1 molecules were the first family of NK cell receptors identified, yet they have remained enigmatic in their contribution to self-nonself discrimination until recently. Here, we outline a brief history of the NKR-P1 receptor family, then examine recent data providing insight into their genetic regulation, signaling function, cognate ligands, and gene organization and diversity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook & Women's Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
authors.forename: Aruz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mesci
authors.forename: Belma
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ljutic
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Makrigiannis
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Carlyle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D055651:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B