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Abstract

Abstract

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are molecules expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, which play an important role in innate immunity. KIR recognition of major histocompatability complex (MHC) class I allotypes represents one component of the complex interactions between NK cells and their targets in determining NK cell reactivity. KIRs are encoded by a gene cluster at human chromosome 19q13.4. Despite their high degree of sequence identity, genes encode proteins that have diverse recognition patterns (specific HLA class I allotypes) and confer opposing signals (activating or inhibitory) to the NK cell. The gene cluster is highly polymorphic, with individual genes exhibiting allelic variability and individual haplotypes differing in gene content. The polymorphism of the locus parallels that of the , facilitating the adaptation of the immune system to a dynamic, challenging environment. This variation is associated with a growing number of human diseases, which is likely to extend to levels observed for the loci. Here we review current progress in understanding KIR biology and genetics.

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/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.genom.7.080505.115726
2006-09-22
2024-03-29
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  • Article Type: Review Article
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