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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

qKAT: Quantitative Semi-automated Typing of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes
Published on: March 6, 2019
Does the KIR2DS5 gene protect from some human diseases?
Izabela Nowak1, Edyta Majorczyk, Andrzej Wiśniewski
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
The KIR2DS5 gene may offer protection against ankylosing spondylitis, endometriosis, and acute kidney graft rejection. Further research into KIR2DS5 gene associations with various diseases is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Human disease associations
Background:
- The KIR2DS5 gene encodes an activating natural killer cell receptor.
- Its specific ligand remains unknown.
- KIR2DS5 has been implicated in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the KIR2DS5 gene and the susceptibility or protection against various human diseases.
- To explore the combined effects of KIR2DS5 and HLA-C allotypes on disease outcomes.
Main Methods:
- KIR2DS5 gene typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Frequencies of KIR2DS5 were compared between patients with specific diseases and healthy controls.
- Statistical analyses included odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- KIR2DS5 gene presence showed a protective effect in ankylosing spondylitis (OR=0.47), endometriosis (OR=0.25), and acute kidney graft rejection (OR=0.44).
- No significant association was found with non-small-cell lung carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis, spontaneous abortion, or leukemia.
- Combined analysis revealed stronger protection with KIR2DS5 and HLA-C C1 allotype for ankylosing spondylitis and kidney graft rejection.
Conclusions:
- The KIR2DS5 gene appears to confer protection against endometriosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute kidney graft rejection.
- Interactions between KIR2DS5 and HLA-C allotypes significantly influence the risk of these conditions.
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