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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Assessment of Human Natural Killer Cell Events Driven by FcγRIIIa Engagement in the Presence of Therapeutic Antibodies
Published on: May 22, 2020
Activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors: Detection, function and therapeutic use
Matthew D Blunt1, Salim I Khakoo1
1Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are crucial for natural killer (NK) cell function and disease. This review explores their roles in human diseases and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity.
- Activating KIR functions are less understood than inhibitory KIR due to identification challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on activating KIR, their ligands, and their roles in human disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of activating KIR in human disease therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunogenetic studies and research on activating KIR.
- Analysis of associations between activating KIR and various disease outcomes.
Main Results:
- Activating KIR are implicated in autoimmune diseases, pregnancy disorders, infections, and cancers.
- These receptors are thought to play significant roles in NK cell-mediated immunity and disease control.
Conclusions:
- Activating KIR are critical regulators of NK cell function with significant roles in human disease.
- Further research into activating KIR and their ligands may reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
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