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Updated: Dec 22, 2025

qKAT: Quantitative Semi-automated Typing of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes
Published on: March 6, 2019
Significance of KIR like natural killer cell receptors in autoimmune disorders
Suraksha Agrawal1, Swayam Prakash2
1Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, (UP), India; Srimann Super Specialty Hospital, NH44, Jalandhar Pathankot Road, Near Reru Chowk, Jalandhar, -144012, (Punjab), India.
Abstract:
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), act as the regulators for the cytolytic activity of natural killer and certain T cells by interacting with the HLA class I ligands. KIRs have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. However, their specific roles are still not very clear. Autoimmune diseases are multifactorial in nature, highlighting the influence of both genetic and environmental factors. The innate immune response plays an important role in autoimmunity as it alters the self-glycans that mimic molecular patterns found on different intracellular pathogens. Natural killer (NK) cells have an important position in the innate immune response. NK cell receptors are encoded by the leukocyte receptor complex located on the chromosome 19q13.4 and lectin-like receptors on chromosome 12p13. This review focuses on the role of KIRs and their relationship with different autoimmune diseases.
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