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.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antigens, CD / chemistry
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Antigens, CD / genetics
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Antigens, CD / physiology
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Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / chemistry
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Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / genetics
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Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / physiology
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 / genetics
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
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Humans
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
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Lectins / chemistry
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Lectins / genetics
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Lectins / physiology
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Models, Immunological
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Models, Molecular
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Multigene Family
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Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1
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Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2
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Psoriasis / genetics
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Psoriasis / immunology
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Receptors, Immunologic / chemistry
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Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
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Receptors, Immunologic / physiology*
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Receptors, KIR
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Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
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Lectins
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NCR1 protein, human
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NCR2 protein, human
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Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1
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Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2
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Receptors, Immunologic
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Receptors, KIR
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Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
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SIGLEC7 protein, human