Cutting edge: MHC class I-Ly49 interaction regulates neuronal function.
MHC class I molecules (MHC-I) have been implicated in nervous system development in the mouse. In this study we present evidence for the interaction of MHC-I with the NK cell receptor Ly49 in primary cortical neuronal cultures. We show that MHC-I and Ly49 are expressed on neuronal soma and axon surfaces, with Ly49 also present on dendrites. Anti-MHC-I Abs reduce synapsin-I expression and enhance neurite outgrowth and neuronal death. Conversely, anti-Ly49 mAbs increase synapsin-I expression, reduce neurite outgrowth, and promote neuron viability. Because we show that Ly49 genes are selectively expressed in the adult brain, these findings suggest an unsuspected role for the MHC-I-Ly49 interaction in the development and function of the brain.
Zohar
Ofer
O
Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. zohar@brni-jhu.org
Reiter
Yoram
Y
Bennink
Jack R
JR
Lev
Avital
A
Cavallaro
Sebastiano
S
Paratore
Sabrina
S
Pick
Chaim G
CG
Brooker
Gary
G
Yewdell
Jonathan W
JW
D000818:Animals; D000950:Antigens, Ly / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
D000950:Antigens, Ly; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like