The NK cell receptor repertoire: formation, adaptation and exploitation.

Held W; Coudert JD; Zimmer J

doi:10.1016/s0952-7915(02)00031-6

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Journal article

The NK cell receptor repertoire: formation, adaptation and exploitation.

Held W Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch and University of Lausanne, Chemin des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland. wheld@isrec.unil.ch
Coudert JD
Zimmer J

2003-03-14

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Current opinion in immunology. - 2003

Histocompatibility Antigens Class I

English The identification of NK cell receptors specific for MHC class I molecules has greatly improved our knowledge of NK cell reactivity and specificity. Inhibitory receptors prevent NK cell activation directed against cells expressing self-MHC class I molecules. Consequently, diseased cells that do not express self-MHC class I molecules become susceptible to NK cell-mediated attack. Because of the specificity and distribution of inhibitory NK cell receptors, cells that express non-self (allogeneic) MHC class I molecules are also susceptible to NK cell reactions. This feature has been exploited in a clinical setting to treat leukemia patients.

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