Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells are known to preferentially kill cells that lack major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, we do not know what signals the attack of these targets. Several membrane receptors have recently been implicated in this process and include molecules with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM) and motifs that bind phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K). Evidence is emerging that NK cells may use a combination of several receptors and signaling pathways to protect the host against infection and possibly against malignancies.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CD28 Antigens / metabolism
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Mice
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Models, Biological
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
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Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Associated Protein
Substances
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CD28 Antigens
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Carrier Proteins
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HCST protein, human
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Hcst protein, mouse
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Receptors, Immunologic
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SH2D1A protein, human
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Sh2d1a protein, mouse
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Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Associated Protein
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases