Abstract
NK cells express receptors for polymorphic MHC class I molecules that inhibit killing of potential target cells bearing appropriate class I allotypes. Here we review the membrane receptors on human NK cells that are known to initiate cell-mediated cytotoxicity and demonstrate regulation of these responses by the killer cell inhibitory (KIR) receptors.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Antigens, Ly*
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Humans
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Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
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Lectins, C-Type
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Lymphocyte Activation* / drug effects
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Receptors, Immunologic / physiology*
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Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
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Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / physiology*
Substances
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Antigens, Ly
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Lectins, C-Type
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Receptors, Immunologic
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Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
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Suppressor Factors, Immunologic