2B4 co-stimulation: NK cells and their control of adaptive immune responses

Mol Immunol. 2005 Feb;42(4):419-23. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.07.021.

Abstract

NK cells have primarily been defined by their ability to kill infected cells, tumor cells and some normal cells expressing low levels of MHC class I molecules. NK cells have also been shown to affect adaptive immune responses by their production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Recently it has been shown that adaptive immune responses can be enhanced or maintained also through direct lymphocyte-lymphocyte interactions. One of these interactions was identified to occur between 2B4 and CD48, where 2B4 acted as a co-stimulatory ligand for both NK cells and T cells. In the current article, we discuss the role of 2B4 in the development of adaptive immune responses and the role of NK-T cell interactions in these responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / physiology*
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Immunologic / physiology*
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD244 protein, human
  • Cd244a protein, mouse
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family