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qKAT: Quantitative Semi-automated Typing of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes
Published on: March 6, 2019
Structure/function of human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors: lessons from polymorphisms, evolution, crystal
Kerry S Campbell1, Amanda K Purdy
1Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. kerry.campbell@fccc.edu
Immunology
|January 11, 2011
Summary
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) regulate natural killer (NK) cell function. Polymorphisms in KIR and their ligands influence disease susceptibility and health outcomes, necessitating a deeper understanding of their structural impacts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cell activity is modulated by signals from activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors.
- Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are critical regulators of human NK cell function, characterized by extensive polymorphism.
- Structural domains within KIR receptors dictate their function by interacting with ligands and signaling proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on structural elements of KIR that influence NK cell function.
- To highlight the role of structural variations, polymorphisms, and evolutionary conservation in KIR function.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of KIR-HLA interactions in disease and transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of engineered KIR mutants.
- Examination of natural polymorphic sequence variants.
- Review of crystal structure data and primate sequence conservation.
Main Results:
- Structural features of KIR are crucial for their function in regulating NK cell activity.
- Extensive polymorphism in KIR and their ligands (MHC class I) is linked to various diseases.
- Specific KIR-HLA gene combinations impact susceptibility to viral infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers, pregnancy outcomes, and stem cell transplantation success.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the structural basis of KIR polymorphism is essential for comprehending NK cell regulation.
- KIR structure-function relationships are key to immune response modulation.
- Further research into KIR polymorphic variations is vital for advancing human health and therapeutic strategies.
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