ULBPs, novel MHC class I-related molecules, bind to CMV glycoprotein UL16 and stimulate NK cytotoxicity through the NKG2D receptor

Immunity. 2001 Feb;14(2):123-33. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(01)00095-4.

Abstract

The human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein, UL16, binds to two members of a novel family of molecules, the ULBPs, and to the MHC class I homolog, MICB. The ULBPs are GPI-linked glycoproteins belonging to the extended MHC class I family but are only distantly related to MICB. The ULBP and MICB molecules are ligands for the activating receptor, NKG2D/DAP10, and this interaction is blocked by a soluble form of UL16. The ULBPs stimulate cytokine and chemokine production from NK cells, and expression of ULBPs in NK cell-resistant target cells confers susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxicity. Masking of NK cell recognition of ULBP or MIC antigens by UL16 provides a potential mechanism by which human cytomegalovirus-infected cells might evade attack by the immune system.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus / metabolism*
  • Cytomegalovirus / pathogenicity
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Viral Proteins / immunology*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • KLRK1 protein, human
  • Ligands
  • MICB antigen
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • ULBP1 protein, human
  • ULBP2 protein, human
  • ULBP3 protein, human
  • Viral Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF304377
  • GENBANK/AF304378
  • GENBANK/AF304379