[NK cell activity and association with the HLA class I antigen complex]

To contribute to the genetic regulation of NK cell cytotoxic activity an association between HLA antigens and a level of cytolysis of target cells (K-562) have been followed. By investigating of NK cell cytotoxic activity in 183 HLA-typed healthy persons it was found that high levels of cytolytic function of NK cells were associated with the antigens of HLA-B8, HLA-B27, HLA-B40, and HLA-B44 as well as the HLA-A2,-B12 phenotypes (in male only). It was also found that low NK cell cytotoxic activity was significantly correlated with homozygosity at HLA loci. These results suggest that HLA genes or genes linked with them may control NK cell cytotoxic functions in man. The authors have also suggested that above mentioned HLA-B antigens might belong to the activating receptor family of NK cells. (Tab. 7, Ref. 48.)