Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
07:58
qKAT: Quantitative Semi-automated Typing of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes
Published on: March 6, 2019
Variable NK cell receptors exemplified by human KIR3DL1/S1
Peter Parham1, Paul J Norman, Laurent Abi-Rached
1Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 22, 2011
Summary
Variable NK cell receptors for polymorphic MHC class I enhance immune response diversity, aiding survival against diseases. This dynamic system is species-specific, impacting human and animal model differences.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors for polymorphic Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules exhibit variegated expression.
- This variability broadens NK cell response range, enhancing survival during disease epidemics and population bottlenecks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary dynamics and species-specific nature of variable NK cell receptors.
- To explain differences in NK cell biology between humans and animal models, considering population genetics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of evolutionary timescales and selection pressures on NK cell receptor-ligand coevolution.
- Comparative study of NK cell receptor systems across species, focusing on glycoprotein recruitment.
Main Results:
- Variable NK cell receptor systems are dynamic, unstable, and short-lived due to coevolutionary pressures.
- These systems are largely species-specific, utilizing different glycoproteins even within primates.
- Significant differences in NK cell biology between humans and animal models are linked to ignored population genetics.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of NK cell receptors, exemplified by KIR3DL1/S1 recognizing HLA-Bw4, is crucial for adapting immune responses.
- Understanding species-specific NK cell receptor systems is vital for accurate use of animal models in research.
- Population genetics plays a critical role in the evolution and function of NK cell receptor diversity.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:25Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:00Enzyme-linked Receptors
Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...