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Published on: March 14, 2011
Inhibition of human NK cell-mediated killing by CD1 molecules
E Carbone1, G Terrazzano, A Melián
1Microbiology and Tumorbiology Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ennio.carbone@mtc.ki.se
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 8, 2000
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells typically inhibit target cell lysis. This study reveals that CD1 molecules (CD1a, CD1b, CD1c) can also inhibit NK cell-mediated lysis, especially when bound to bacterial antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells recognize MHC class I molecules, inhibiting target cell lysis.
- Structural similarities exist between MHC class I and non-MHC-encoded CD1 molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c proteins serve as NK cell receptor targets.
- To determine the effect of CD1 expression on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Transfected NK-sensitive target cells expressing individual CD1 proteins.
- Incubation with anti-CD1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
- Analysis of NK cell-mediated lysis of cultured human dendritic cells.
Main Results:
- CD1a, CD1b, or CD1c expression partially inhibited target cell lysis by human NK cells.
- Inhibitory effects were reversed by anti-CD1 mAbs.
- CD1 expression on dendritic cells also inhibited NK-mediated lysis.
- Bacterial glycolipid antigens augmented the inhibitory effects of CD1 on NK cell lysis.
Conclusions:
- CD1 molecules function as specific target structures for NK cell receptors.
- CD1-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity is antigen-dependent.
- CD1 proteins play a role in modulating NK cell responses in vivo.
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