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Use of Single Chain MHC Technology to Investigate Co-agonism in Human CD8+ T Cell Activation
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Published on: February 28, 2019

KIR/HLA interactions and pathogen immunity.

Khaleel M Jamil1, Salim I Khakoo

  • 1Department of Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.

Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology
|June 2, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The innate immune system relies on natural killer (NK) cells, whose diverse killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) interact with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I. KIR:HLA diversity influences infection outcomes, particularly viral infections like hepatitis C and HIV.

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Published on: February 28, 2019

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Induction of Graft-versus-host Disease and In Vivo T Cell Monitoring Using an MHC-matched Murine Model
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Induction of Graft-versus-host Disease and In Vivo T Cell Monitoring Using an MHC-matched Murine Model

Published on: August 29, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The innate immune system provides the initial defense against pathogens.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for this response, mediating target cell lysis and cytokine production.
  • NK cell effector functions are regulated by surface receptors, notably killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the impact of genetic diversity in killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their ligands, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, on host response to infections.
  • To highlight the significance of KIR:HLA combinations in determining infection outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic studies investigating associations between KIR:HLA combinations and infection outcomes.
  • Analysis of the functional implications of KIR:HLA interactions on NK cell activation and inhibition.

Main Results:

  • KIRs are polymorphic inhibitory receptors that interact with highly polymorphic MHC class I molecules.
  • Significant genetic diversity exists in KIR and HLA, leading to varied NK cell repertoires and numerous KIR:HLA combinations.
  • Specific KIR:HLA combinations are associated with differential outcomes in viral infections, including hepatitis C and HIV.

Conclusions:

  • The genetic diversity of KIR:HLA interactions significantly influences host susceptibility and response to infections.
  • Understanding these KIR:HLA polymorphisms is key to comprehending variations in infectious disease outcomes.