Abstract
The Ly-49A molecule is an NK cell receptor specific for MHC class I molecules on target cells. When Ly-49A engages H-2Dd, Ly-49A+NK cells become globally incapable of killing their targets in vitro. This interaction also occurs in vivo. Ly-49A belongs to a family of highly related molecules, including Ly-49C (5E6 antigen) and LGL-1 that also determine NK cell specificity. In the NK gene complex, the Ly-49 family is genetically linked to genes encoding NKR-P1 and CD69 that are structurally related and capable of activating NK cells. Finally, Ly-49 may be related to human molecules that are selectively expressed on NK cells and influence NK cell specificity. These findings highlight the emerging significance of the Ly-49 family in NK cell activity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 89-101 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Seminars in immunology |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1995 |
Keywords
- C-type lectin
- Ly-49
- MHC class I
- NK cell receptor