Associations between KIR epitope combinations expressed by HLA-B/-C haplotypes found in an HIV-1 infected study population may influence NK mediated immune responses

Mol Immunol. 2005 Feb;42(4):557-60. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.07.041.

Abstract

The Killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) on NK cells regulate NK activity via the recognition of specific HLA class I products on the surface of target cells. To investigate the level at which these genetically polymorphic receptors and ligands influence HIV-1 disease progression, we examined the effect of KIR and HLA genotype on HIV outcome. We observed a significant association between particular combinations of KIR epitopes expressed by HLA-B/-C haplotypes and propose that the repertoire of KIR epitopes expressed by HLA-B and HLA-C alleles within the context of particular haplotypes may be an important component of the NK mediated immune response to HIV and/or other infectious pathogens.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetics, Population
  • HIV Infections / genetics*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1*
  • HLA-B Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-B Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-C Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-C Antigens / immunology
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / genetics
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology
  • Receptors, KIR

Substances

  • HLA-B Antigens
  • HLA-C Antigens
  • Immunodominant Epitopes
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, KIR