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Positive and negative MHC class I recognition by rat NK cells
B Rolstad1, J T Vaage, C Naper
1Immunology/Arthritis Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
Immunological Reviews
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Rat natural killer (NK) cells reject foreign cells by recognizing different types of MHC class I molecules. This involves a dual signaling model where NK cells interpret both inhibitory and activating signals for self-non-self discrimination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells mediate allogeneic lymphocyte cytotoxicity (ALC), rejecting transplanted cells.
- MHC genes and NK complex genes control this rejection, with similar genetic control observed in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the specificity of NK cells for the rat MHC (RT1).
- To investigate how NK cells recognize different MHC class I molecules.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro NK alloreactivity assay.
- Conducted immunogenetic studies to analyze NK cell recognition of MHC class I products.
Main Results:
- NK cells recognize MHC class I products from both RT1.A (classical) and RT1.C (non-classical) regions.
- RT1.A molecules appear to inhibit NK cell activity.
- RT1.C molecules may have a dual role, either inhibiting or activating NK cell activity.
Conclusions:
- Proposed a model where NK cells use distinct receptors for MHC class I molecules to distinguish self from non-self.
- This discrimination relies on interpreting coincident positive and negative signals from target cell MHC class I molecules.
- Discussed the role of peptides, biological implications, and evolution of NK receptors and ligands.