Variable interactions of recipient killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors with self and allogenic human leukocyte antigen class I ligands may influence the outcome of solid organ transplants.
OBJECTIVE
The present review summarizes the diversity of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and their complex interactions with self human leukocyte antigen class I molecules that control natural killer cell function. Further, a working model has been developed illustrating the potential impact of variable killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-human leukocyte antigen interactions on the outcome of solid organ transplants in view of current knowledge from basic and clinical research.


RESULTS
In addition to restraining natural killer cell function, the interaction of inhibitory receptors with cognate human leukocyte antigen class I ligands has been recently shown to set the functional threshold for natural killer cells. Therefore, the number and type of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-human leukocyte antigen class I interactions in the recipient, as well as the type of human leukocyte antigen class I ligands expressed on the allograft, can determine the degree of natural killer cell alloreactivity and have potential impact in transplant outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Natural killer cells can respond to allografts. The strength of that response is likely determined by the number and type of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-human leukocyte antigen class I ligand combinations in the recipient. Understanding the interactions of these intrinsic immunogenetic factors in patients and donors could have important implications on solid organ transplantation.
Rajalingam
Raja
R
UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1652, USA. rrajalingam@mednet.ucla.edu
D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006085:Graft Survival; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008024:Ligands; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054340:Receptors, KIR / Q000276:immunology*; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008024:Ligands; D054340:Receptors, KIR