Abstract
NK cells express receptors characterized by opposite functions that finely regulate their activities. Among inhibitory receptors, some are specific for different groups of MHC class I alleles, while others are still orphan receptors. On the contrary, various activating receptors are involved in the triggering of NK-mediated natural cytotoxicity. In general, their engagement induces human NK cells to kill target cells that are either HLA class I-negative or -deficient. Thus, the process of NK cell triggering mediated by Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors can be mainly considered as a non MHC-restricted mechanism. Here, a brief description of the molecular nature of these receptors, as well as, of their 3D-structures and of the implications for ligand recognition, is given.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 376-387 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2003 |
Keywords
- Activating Receptors
- Crystal Structure
- Immunoglobulin Superfamily (Ig-SF)
- Inhibitory Receptors
- Leucocyte Ig-like Receptor Complex (LRC)
- MHC
- Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs)
- Natural Killer (NK)
- Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Biochemistry