NKG2D and its ligands.
NKG2D is an activating immunoreceptor, first recognized on NK cells but subsequently found on gammadelta T cells, CD8(+) alphabeta T cells and macrophages. In NK cells, inhibitory signals are generally dominate over activating signals. However, activating signals mediated through engagement of NKG2D by its ligands on target cells can bypass signals transmitted through inhibitory NK receptors, allowing NKG2D to function as a "master-switch" in determining the activation status of NK cells. NKG2D is important for T cell and NK cell-mediated immunity to viruses and tumours, and has roles in autoimmune disease, allogeneic transplantation, and xenotransplantation. Depending upon the situation, development of strategies to either block or to enhance the interactions between NKG2D and its ligands may have important implications for human health and disease.
Obeidy
Peyman
P
Collaborative Transplantation Research Group, D06 - Blackburn Building, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. p.obeidy@usyd.edu.au
Sharland
Alexandra F
AF
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014181:Transplantation Immunology
D008024:Ligands; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K