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Structure and function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I specific receptors expressed on human natural killer (NK) cells
Author(s): Borrego F, Kabat J, Kim DK, Lieto L, Maasho K, Pena J, Solana R, Coligan JE
Source: MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY    Volume: 38    Issue: 9    Pages: 637-660    Published: FEB 2002  
Times Cited: 115     References: 224     
Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells express receptors that are specific for MHC class I molecules. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating the lytic and cytokine expression capabilities of NK cells. In humans, three distinct families of genes have been defined that encode for receptors of HLA class I molecules. The first family identified consists of type I transmembrane molecules belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and are called killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR). A second group of receptors belonging to the Ig superfamily, named ILT (for immunoglobulin like transcripts), has more recently been described. ILTs are expressed mainly on B, T and myeloid cells, but some members of this group are also expressed on NK cells. They are also referred to as LIRs (for leukocyte la-like receptor) and MIRs (for macrophage Ig-like receptor). The ligands for the KIR and some of the ILT receptors include classical (class la) HLA class I molecules, as well as the nonclassical (class Ib) HLA-G molecule. The third family of HLA class I receptors are C-type lectin family members and are composed of heterodimers of CD94 covalently associated with a member of the NKG2 family of molecules. The ligand for most members is the nonclassical class I molecule HLA-E. NKG2D, a member of the NKG2 family, is expressed as a homodimer, along with the adaptor molecule DAP10. The ligands of NKG2D include the human class I like molecules MICA and MICB, and the recently described ULBPs. Each of these three families of receptors has individual members that can recognize identical or similar ligands yet signal for activation or inhibition of cellular functions. This dichotomy correlates with particular structural features present in the transmembrane and intracytoplasmic portions of these molecules.

In this review we will discuss the molecular structure, specificity, cellular expression patterns, and function of these HLA class I receptors, as well as the chromosomal location and genetic organization. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Document Type: Review
Language: English
Reprint Address: Coligan, JE (reprint author), NIAID, Lab Allerg Dis, Receptor Cell Biol Sect, NIH, Twinbrook 2,Room 205,12441 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
Addresses:
1. NIAID, Lab Allerg Dis, Receptor Cell Biol Sect, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
2. Univ Cordoba, Sch Med Reina Sofia, Dept Immunol, E-14004 Cordoba, Spain
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND
Subject Category: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Immunology
IDS Number: 528WD
ISSN: 0161-5890
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