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Interaction between the human NK receptors and their ligands
M Valés-Gómez1, H Reyburn, J Strominger
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Critical Reviews in Immunology
|September 1, 2000
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells are vital for immunity and tissue homeostasis. Their function is regulated by surface receptors, balancing signals to control immune responses and tissue development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells play crucial roles in antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-tumor immunity.
- NK cells also contribute to homeostatic functions, including hematopoiesis regulation and placental development, being a major lymphocyte type in the decidua.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of NK cell surface molecules.
- To emphasize the molecular mechanisms of target cell recognition by NK cell receptors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NK cell surface receptors and their ligands.
- Focus on molecular details of Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) interaction with Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I molecules.
- Analysis of CD94-NKG2 complex binding to HLA-E.
Main Results:
- NK cell activity is governed by numerous receptors transmitting activating and inhibitory signals.
- The balance of these signals dictates NK cell responses, including proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine secretion.
- Detailed molecular interactions between KIRs and HLA class I, and CD94-NKG2 with HLA-E are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- NK cell surface receptors are critical regulators of immune and homeostatic functions.
- Understanding these molecular interactions provides insight into NK cell-mediated immunity and tissue regulation.
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