Engagement of the CD160 activating NK cell receptor leads to its association with CD2 in circulating human NK cells

Transpl Immunol. 2006 Dec;17(1):36-8. doi: 10.1016/j.trim.2006.09.031. Epub 2006 Oct 13.

Abstract

CD160 activating NK cell receptor is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored molecule. Upon specific engagement by its HLA class I physiological ligand, CD160 NK cell receptor triggers cytotoxicity and release of different cytokines, including IL-6. How CD160 intracellular signaling is mediated following its specific ligation is unknown. One key element of this signaling may be through the co-activation of other receptors associated to CD160. Using confocal microscopy and freshly isolated human peripheral blood NK cells, we observed a co-polarization of CD160 and CD2 after their respective specific engagement. These results demonstrate that CD160 activating NK cell receptor, upon its specific engagement, physically associates to the CD2 co-activating receptor present in the lipid raft that might play a role as signaling molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • CD2 Antigens / metabolism*
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Membrane Microdomains / immunology
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD160 protein, human
  • CD2 Antigens
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, Immunologic