Low cytomegalovirus seroprevalence in early multiple sclerosis: a case for the 'hygiene hypothesis'?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has recently been associated with a lower multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, although it remains controversial whether it has a protective role or is merely an epiphenomenon related to westernization and early-life viral infections. We aimed to evaluate whether CMV serostatus may differ in patients with early MS as compared with patients with non-early MS, analyzing the putative association of this virus with MS clinical course and humoral immune responses against other herpesviruses. METHODS: Multicentric analysis was undertaken of 310 patients with MS (early MS, disease duration ≤5 years, n = 127) and controls (n = 155), evaluating specific humoral responses to CMV, Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6, as well as T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell immunophenotypes. RESULTS: Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence in early MS was lower than in non-early MS or controls (P < 0.01), being independently associated with disease duration (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.08, P < 0.05). CMV+ patients with MS displayed increased proportions of differentiated T-cells (CD27-CD28-, CD57+, LILRB1+) and NKG2C+ NK-cells, which were associated with a lower disability in early MS (P < 0.05). CMV+ patients with early MS had an age-related decline in serum anti-EBNA-1 antibodies (P < 0.01), but no CMV-related differences in anti-human herpesvirus-6 humoral responses. CONCLUSIONS: Low CMV seroprevalence was observed in patients with early MS. Modification of MS risk attributed to CMV might be related to the induction of differentiated T-cell and NK-cell subsets and/or modulation of Epstein-Barr virus-specific immune responses at early stages of the disease.

Circulating NK-cell subsets in renal allograft recipients with anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies.

Detection of posttransplant donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) constitutes a risk factor for kidney allograft loss. Together with complement activation, NK-cell antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been proposed to contribute to the microvascular damage associated to humoral rejection. In the present observational exploratory study, we have tried to find a relationship of circulating donor-specific and non donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA and HLA non-DSA) with peripheral blood NK-cell subsets and clinical features in 393 renal allograft recipients. Multivariate analysis indicated that retransplantation and pretransplant sensitization were associated with detection of posttransplant DSA. Recipient female gender, DR mismatch and acute rejection were significantly associated with posttransplant DSA compared to HLA non-DSA. In contrast with patients without detectable anti-HLA antibodies, DSA and HLA non-DSA patients displayed lower proportions of NK-cells, associated with increased CD56(bright) and NKG2A(+) subsets, the latter being more marked in DSA cases. These differences appeared unrelated to retransplantation, previous acute rejection or immunosuppressive therapy. Although preliminary and observational in nature, our results suggest that the assessment of the NK-cell immunophenotype may contribute to define signatures of alloreactive humoral responses in renal allograft recipients.

Assessment of copy-number variation in the NKG2C receptor gene in a single-tube and characterization of a reference cell panel, using standard polymerase chain reaction.

Natural killer (NK) and T-lymphocytes monitor human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E expression through CD94:NKG2 heterodimers. Structural polymorphism is not a hallmark for NK-complex genes on chromosome 12, except for complete NKG2C deletion in some humans. We present a method for fast, simple and accurate assessment of NKG2C copy-number variation - presence or absence in the genome of an NKG2C gene, in homo- or heterozygosis, is detected by a single conventional polymerase chain reaction that yields amplicons of different lengths in each genotype. We have also determined the NKG2C genotypes of a reference cell panel comprising 13 NK- and tumour-cell lines and 39 Epstein-Barr virus transformed cells from the International Histocompatibility Workshop. Our results should facilitate research on the importance of NKG2C and its deletion for immunity.

Natural killer cell phenotype and clinical response to interferon-beta therapy in multiple sclerosis.

CD56(bright) NK cells, which may play a role in immunoregulation, are expanded in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with immunomodulatory therapies such as daclizumab and interferon-beta (IFNß). Yet, whether this NK cell subset is directly involved in the therapeutic effect is unknown. As NK receptor (NKR) expression by subsets of NK cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes is related to MS clinical course, we addressed whether CD56(bright) NK cells and NKR in IFNß-treated MS patients differ according to the clinical response. IFNß was associated to lower LILRB1+ and KIR+NK cells, and higher NKG2A+NK cell proportions, an immunophenotypic pattern mainly found in responders. After IFNß treatment, a CD56(bright) NK cell expansion was significantly related to a positive clinical response. Our results reveal that IFNß may promote in responders changes in the NK cell immunophenotype, corresponding to the profile found at early maturation stages of this lymphocyte lineage.

MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy): an integrated approach from phenotypes to systems medicine.

The origin of the epidemic of IgE-associated (allergic) diseases is unclear. MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy), an FP7 European Union project (No. 264357), aims to generate novel knowledge on the mechanisms of initiation of allergy and to propose early diagnosis, prevention, and targets for therapy. A novel phenotype definition and an integrative translational approach are needed to understand how a network of molecular and environmental factors can lead to complex allergic diseases. A novel, stepwise, large-scale, and integrative approach will be led by a network of complementary experts in allergy, epidemiology, allergen biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, epigenetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, computational and systems biology. The following steps are proposed: (i) Identification of 'classical' and 'novel' phenotypes in existing birth cohorts; (ii) Building discovery of the relevant mechanisms in IgE-associated allergic diseases in existing longitudinal birth cohorts and Karelian children; (iii) Validation and redefinition of classical and novel phenotypes of IgE-associated allergic diseases; and (iv) Translational integration of systems biology outcomes into health care, including societal aspects. MeDALL will lead to: (i) A better understanding of allergic phenotypes, thus expanding current knowledge of the genomic and environmental determinants of allergic diseases in an integrative way; (ii) Novel diagnostic tools for the early diagnosis of allergy, targets for the development of novel treatment modalities, and prevention of allergic diseases; (iii) Improving the health of European citizens as well as increasing the competitiveness and boosting the innovative capacity of Europe, while addressing global health issues and ethical issues.

Involvement of T44 molecules in an antigen-independent pathway of T cell activation. Analysis of the correlations to the T cell antigen-receptor complex.

Prior studies indicate that the 9.3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) which defines a 44 kD T lineage-specific glycoprotein (T44) enhances the proliferative response of peripheral blood T lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or allogeneic cells. The T44 molecule was expressed in both resting and activated T lymphocytes and in a subset of thymocytes, as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytofluorometry. In view of the potential importance of T44 in T cell activation, we investigated the ability of the 9.3 (anti-T44) antibody to stimulate peripheral blood T lymphocytes under culture conditions giving optimal proliferative responses to anti-T3 mAb. Like UCHT1 (anti-T3) mAb, the 9.3 (anti-T44 mAb) promoted strong proliferative responses of purified T cells, provided that adherent cells were added to the culture. Maximal proliferation in response to 9.3 antibody was consistently detected at day 5 (at day 3 with anti-T3 or PHA). Moreover, triggering of T lymphocytes with 9.3 antibody (in the presence of adherent cells) resulted in strong IL-2 production that peaked at 48 h. Analysis of the physical and functional relationship between the T44 molecule and other molecules involved in T cell activation, including the clonotypically restricted Ti and the monomorphic T3 or T11 molecules, was carried out on a mutagenized jurkat T leukemia cell line. This mutant, termed JA3 (surface phenotype: T11+, T3+, 3A1+, T4-, T8-, DR-, Tac-, 4F2+, T44+) produced large amounts of IL-2 upon stimulation with PHA, anti-T3, or anticlonotypic mAb in conjunction with phorbol myristate acetate (or adherent cells). The molecules precipitated by anti-T44 mAb from 125I-labeled JA3 cells appeared as a diffuse band of Mr 40-45,000 under reducing conditions; under nonreducing conditions, a prominent band of Mr 80-85,000 was observed, while the Mr 40-45,000 band was greatly reduced. Thus, T44 molecules in both reducing and nonreducing conditions had relative molecular weights similar to that of molecules carrying clonotypic (Ti) determinants. In addition, like anti-Ti or anti-T3 mAb, anti-T44 antibody induced JA3 cells to produce large amounts of IL-2 in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate. Other similarities between T44 and molecules carrying clonotypic structures included the susceptibility to antibody-induced modulation and the late reexpression (72 h) at the cell surface after modulation. Taken together, these experiments suggest that anti-T44 mAb might recognize a monomorphic determinant of the T cell receptor molecule or be physically or functionally linked to the T3-Ti complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Phospholipase D activation in human natural killer cells through the Kp43 and CD16 surface antigens takes place by different mechanisms. Involvement of the phospholipase D pathway in tumor necrosis factor alpha synthesis.

We have recently described a novel glycoprotein, Kp43, expressed on the surface of human natural killer (NK) cells that appears to regulate their functional activity. In this report, signaling mechanisms through the Kp43 surface antigen have been studied. Incubation of interleukin 2 (IL-2)-treated NK cells with anti-Kp43 monoclonal antibody F(ab')2 fragments resulted in the time- and dose-dependent stimulation of NK cell phospholipase D. Phospholipase D activation through the Kp43 surface antigen was found to take place in the absence of polyphosphoinositide turnover and appeared not to depend on the presence of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium. On the other hand, signaling mechanisms through the CD16 receptor (FcR-III) on NK cells were comparatively studied. Stimulation of IL-2-treated NK cells with anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody F(ab')2 fragment also resulted in time- and dose-dependent activation of phospholipase D. However, CD16-triggered phospholipase D activation took place concomitant to phospholipase C-mediated polyphosphoinositide breakdown and showed a strong dependence on extracellular Ca2+. These results provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence for the presence of activatable phospholipase D in NK cells, as well as the first indication that distinct receptor-modulated pathways exist for activation of phospholipase D within the same cell type. On the other hand, phosphatidic acid, the physiologic product of phospholipase D action on phospholipids, was found to mimic the effect of anti-Kp43 monoclonal antibody regarding tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) biosynthesis and secretion by NK cells. Addition of phosphatidic acid vesicles to IL-2-treated NK cell cultures stimulated a TNF-alpha production that was abolished when the cells were previously treated with actinomycin D. Other phospholipids, including lysophosphatidic acid, were ineffective. However, phosphatidic acid-induced TNF-alpha production was strongly inhibited by the presence of propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase. Moreover, in cells responding to phorbol myristate acetate, a compound that triggers activation of phospholipase D, TNF-alpha synthesis was also inhibited by propranolol. Thus, these data suggest a second messenger role for phosphatidic acid-derived diradylglycerol in the induction of TNF-alpha gene expression.

Anticlonotypic monoclonal antibodies induce proliferation of clonotype-positive T cells in peripheral blood human T lymphocytes. Evidence for a phenotypic (T4/T8) heterogeneity of the clonotype-positive proliferating cells.

Three previously selected monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against the clonotypic structure of a variant (termed JA3) of the interleukin 2 (IL-2)-producing Jurkat leukemia cell line (anti-JTi1-3 mAb) were found to induce an adherent cell-dependent proliferation of peripheral blood T cells in 20 different donors. Unlike the early cell proliferation induced by anti-T3 mAb, anti-JTi mAb-induced proliferation was detectable at day 5-6 of culture and reached peak levels at day 7-9. Less than 1% JTi+ cells were consistently detected in the starting peripheral blood lymphocytes or in control cultures in which cells were stimulated with anti-T3, phytohemagglutinin, or allogeneic cells. However, JTi+ cells were found in increasing proportions after culture with anti-JTi mAb and they were mostly represented by large blast cells expressing either the T4 or the T8 antigen, together with typical activation antigens including HLA-DR, IL-2 receptor, and 4F2. Immunoprecipitation experiments and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that anti-JTi-reactive molecules present on antibody-stimulated lymphocytes or on JA3 cells were similar, disulphide-linked heterodimeric structures.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of a human killer inhibitory receptor recruits protein tyrosine phosphatase 1C.

Natural killer (NK) cells express killer inhibitory receptors that mediate negative regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity upon binding to MHC class I molecules on target cells. Unrelated inhibitory receptors on B cells have recently been shown to function through recruitment of phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1C (PTP-1C). Here, we show that a human killer inhibitory receptor specific for HLA-C also recruits PTP-1C after phosphorylation induced either by the pharmacological agent phenylarsine oxide or by conjugation with target cells. This recruitment is mediated by the binding of specific cytoplasmic phosphotyrosine-containing sequences to PTP-1C. These results implicate PTP-1C as a cytosolic component of the negative signaling pathway through NK cell inhibitory receptors.

Triggering of T cell proliferation through AIM, an activation inducer molecule expressed on activated human lymphocytes.

In this report, we describe a novel activation antigen that appears very early after T cell activation and is absent in resting lymphocytes, through which agonistic proliferative signals can be triggered by mAb binding. It has been designated as activation inducer molecule (AIM) and is a disulphide-linked heterodimeric structure containing two polypeptide chains of Mr 33,000 and 27,000. The expression of AIM can be induced by different activation stimuli such as PMA, PHA, or anti-CD3 mAb, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and it precedes the expression of other activation molecules such as 4F2 or the IL-2-R. Once AIM antigens are expressed on lymphocytes after stimulation with submitogenic doses of PMA, the binding of anti-AIM mAbs triggers a strong proliferative response. Furthermore, a comitogenic effect of the anti-AIM mAbs is exerted in the presence of either PHA or anti-CD3 mAb. The activation of lymphocytes through AIM antigens induces both IL-2 and IL-2-R receptor synthesis and is inhibited by anti-IL-2-R mAbs.

A common inhibitory receptor for major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on human lymphoid and myelomonocytic cells.

Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis is negatively regulated by killer cell inhibitory receptors specific for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In this study, we characterize a novel inhibitory MHC class I receptor of the immunoglobulin-superfamily, expressed not only by subsets of NK and T cells, but also by B cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. This receptor, called Ig-like transcript (ILT)2, binds MHC class I molecules and delivers a negative signal that inhibits killing by NK and T cells, as well as Ca2+ mobilization in B cells and myelomonocytic cells triggered through the B cell antigen receptor and human histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA)-DR, respectively. In addition, myelomonocytic cells express receptors homologous to ILT2, which are characterized by extensive polymorphism and might recognize distinct HLA class I molecules. These results suggest that diverse leukocyte lineages have adopted recognition of self-MHC class I molecules as a common strategy to control cellular activation during an immune response.

Human natural killer cell receptors for HLA-class I molecules. Evidence that the Kp43 (CD94) molecule functions as receptor for HLA-B alleles.

GL183 or EB6 (p58) molecules have been shown to function as receptors for different HLA-C alleles and to deliver an inhibitory signal to natural killer (NK) cells, thus preventing lysis of target cells. In this study, we analyzed a subset of NK cells characterized by a p58-negative surface phenotype. We show that p58-negative clones, although specific for class I molecules do not recognize HLA-C alleles. In addition, by the use of appropriate target cells transfected with different HLA-class I alleles we identified HLA-B7 as the protective element recognized by a fraction of p58-negative clones. In an attempt to identify the receptor molecules expressed by HLA-B7-specific clones, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were selected after mice immunization with such clones. Two of these mAbs, termed XA-88 and XA-185, and their F(ab')2 fragments, were found to reconstitute lysis of B7+ target cells by B7-specific NK clones. Both mAbs were shown to be directed against the recently clustered Kp43 molecule (CD94). Thus, mAb-mediated masking of Kp43 molecules interferes with recognition of HLA-B7 and results in target cell lysis. Moreover, in a redirected killing assay, the cross-linking of Kp43 molecules mediated by the XA185 mAb strongly inhibited the cytolytic activity of HLA-B7-specific NK clones, thus mimicking the functional effect of B7 molecules. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Kp43 molecules function as receptors for HLA-B7 and that this receptor/ligand interaction results in inhibition of the NK-mediated cytolytic activity. Indirect immunofluorescence and FACS analysis of a large number of random NK clones showed that Kp43 molecules (a) were brightly expressed on a subset of p58-negative clones, corresponding to those specific for HLA-B7; (b) displayed a medium/low fluorescence in the p58-negative clones that are not B7-specific as well as in most p58+ NK clones; and (c) were brightly expressed as in the p58+ clone ET34 (GL183-/EB6+, Cw4-specific). Functional analysis revealed that Kp43 functioned as an inhibitory receptor only in NK clones displaying bright fluorescence. These studies also indicate that some NK clones (e.g., the ET34) can coexpress two distinct receptors (p58 and Kp43) for different class I alleles (Cw4 and B7). Finally, we show that Kp43 molecules function as receptors only for some HLA-B alleles and that still undefined receptor(s) must exist for other HLA-B alleles including B27.

Natural killer receptors distribution in multiple sclerosis: Relation to clinical course and interferon-beta therapy.

NK cell receptors (NKR) are expressed in subsets of NK and CD8+ T cells, lymphocytes involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Clinical implications of NKR expression in MS are unknown. Here, we show that the proportions of CD8+ T cells displaying LILRB1, an inhibitory NKR expressed at late stages of T cell differentiation, were directly related with age and MS duration, and inversely with the immunomodulatory therapy-dependent increase of CD56(bright) NK cells. Similar associations were found for KIR+ and CD56+ CD8+ T cells, whereas no age-related NKR distribution was perceived in controls. Moreover, active MS had lower LILRB1+ NK cells, and IFN-ß-treated patients exhibited a phenotypic profile related to shorter disease evolution. Progressive accumulation of terminally differentiated T lymphocytes and experienced NK cells in MS, presumably stimulated in response to a persistent challenge and modulated by IFN-ß therapy, may support the analysis of NKR distribution as new biomarkers.

Multiple sclerosis associates with LILRA3 deletion in Spanish patients.

The genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is only partially explained, and it shows geographic variations. We analyse here two series of Spanish patients and healthy controls and show that relapsing MS (R-MS) is associated with a gene deletion affecting the hypothetically soluble leukocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor A3 (LILRA3, 19q13.4), in agreement with an earlier finding in German patients. Our study points to a gene-dose-dependent, protective role for LILRA3, the deletion of which synergizes with HLA-DRB1(*)1501 to increase the risk of R-MS. We also investigated whether the risk of suffering R-MS might be influenced by the genotypic diversity of killer-cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs), located only approximately 400 kb telomeric to LILRA3, and implicated in autoimmunity and defence against viruses. The relationship of LILRA3 deletion with R-MS is not secondary to linkage disequilibrium with a KIR gene, but we cannot exclude some contributions of KIR to the genetic susceptibility to R-MS.

The tyrosine kinase PYK-2/RAFTK regulates natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic response, and is translocated and activated upon specific target cell recognition and killing.

The compartmentalization of plasma membrane proteins has a key role in regulation of lymphocyte activation and development of immunity. We found that the proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (PYK-2/RAFTK) colocalized with the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) at the trailing edge of migrating natural killer (NK) cells. When polyclonal NK cells bound to K562 targets, PYK-2 translocated to the area of NK-target cell interaction. The specificity of this process was assessed with NK cell clones bearing activatory or inhibitory forms of CD94/NKG2. The translocation of PYK-2, MTOC, and paxillin to the area of NK-target cell contact was regulated upon specific recognition of target cells through NK cell receptors, controlling target cell killing. Furthermore, parallel in vitro kinase assays showed that PYK-2 was activated in response to signals that specifically triggered its translocation and NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. The overexpression of both the wt and a dominant-negative mutant of PYK-2, but not ZAP-70 wt, prevented the specific translocation of the MTOC and paxillin, and blocked the cytotoxic response of NK cells. Our data indicate that subcellular compartmentalization of PYK-2 correlates with effective signal transduction. Furthermore, they also suggest an important role for PYK-2 on the assembly of the signaling complexes that regulate the cytotoxic response.

Assessment of neuronal autoantibodies in patients with small cell lung cancer treated with chemotherapy with or without ipilimumab.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is often associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. To assess the role of anti-neuronal autoantibodies (NAAs) as biomarkers of treatment outcome, we assessed NAAs in serial samples from SCLC patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. We evaluated 2 cohorts: in cohort 1 (C1), 47 patients received standard platinum/etoposide, and in cohort 2 (C2), 38 patients received ipilimumab, carboplatin and etoposide. Serum samples at baseline and subsequent time points were analyzed for the presence of NAAs. NAAs were detected at baseline in 25 patients (53.2%) in C1 and in 20 patients (52.6%) in C2 (most frequently anti-Sox1). NAA at baseline was associated with limited disease (75% vs 50%; p: 0.096) and better overall survival (15.1 m vs 11.7 m; p: 0.032) in C1. Thirteen patients (28.9%) showed 2 or more reactivities before treatment; this was associated with worse PFS (5.5 m vs 7.3 m; p: 0.005) in patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. NAA titers decreased after therapy in 68.9% patients, with no differential patterns of change between cohorts. Patients whose NAA titer decreased after treatment, showed longer OS [18.5 m (95% CI: 15.8 - 21.2)] compared with those whose NAA increased [12.3 m (95% CI: 8.1 - 16.5; p 0.049)], suggesting that antibody levels correlate to tumor load. Our findings reinforce the role of NAAs as prognostic markers and tumor activity/burden in SCLC, warrant further investigation in their predictive role for immunotherapy and raise concern over the use of immunotherapy in patients with more than one anti-NAA reactivity.

Natural killer cell activation and inhibition by receptors for MHC class I.

Several recent advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms which human natural killer cells recognize MHC class I molecules. Three are of special relevance: the identification of a novel molecule (DAP12) with a key role in the activation pathways; the observation that certain immunoglobulin-like receptors for HLA class I molecules are also utilized by other leucocyte lineages; and the definition of MHC class Ib proteins (i.e. HLA-E and Qa-1b) as specific ligands for the phylogenetically conserved CD94-NKG2 lectin-like receptors.

NK cell receptors involved in the response to human cytomegalovirus infection.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a paradigm of the complexity reached by host-pathogen interactions. To avoid recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) HCMV inhibits the expression of HLA class I molecules. As a consequence, engagement of inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), CD94/NKG2A, and CD85j (ILT2 or LIR-1) natural killer cell receptors (NKR) specific for HLA class I molecules is impaired, and infected cells become vulnerable to an NK cell response driven by activating receptors. In addition to the well-defined role of the NKG2D lectin-like molecule, the involvement of other triggering receptors (i.e., activating KIR, CD94/NKG2C, NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30) in the response to HCMV is being explored. To escape from NK cell-mediated surveillance, HCMV interferes with the expression of NKG2D ligands in infected cells. In addition, the virus may keep NK inhibitory receptors engaged preserving HLA class I molecules with a limited role in antigen presentation (i.e., HLA-E) or, alternatively, displaying class I surrogates. Despite considerable progress in the field, a number of issues regarding the involvement of NKR in the innate immune response to HCMV remain uncertain.

Identification of Receptors Belonging to the Ig and C-Type Lectin Superfamilies on NK Cells and Their Functional Significance

Recognition of target cells by natural killer (NK) cells has been investigated using numerous approaches, but to date a clear understanding of the way(s) in which these effector cells interact with susceptible and nonsusceptible target cells or normal cells has not emerged. However, using the tools provided by molecular biological and monoclonal antibody technologies, a number of candidate receptor families have recently been identified. These families of receptors represent disparate molecular species, including both Type I and Type II glycoproteins and members of the Ig- and C-type lectin superfamilies. Even more interestingly, some of these receptors mediate activation of NK cells and others mediate inactivation of NK cells. Based on these recent developments, we may now be approaching an understanding of how and why NK cells may recognize and destroy some target cells, and how and why other cells may be resistant to lysis by NK cells.

A novel family of Ig-like receptors for HLA class I molecules that modulate function of lymphoid and myeloid cells.

We review what is presently known about structure, cellular distribution, biochemical characteristics, and function of a new family of human cell-surface receptors referred to as immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs), leukocyte Ig-like receptors (LIRs), or monocyte/macrophage Ig-like receptors (MIRs). These receptors are genetically, structurally, and functionally related to a group of natural killer (NK) cell receptors for HLA class I molecules known as killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs). Distinct ILT/LIR/MIR isotypes are differentially expressed on lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes; at least some of them recognize HLA class I molecules. Whereas some isotypes either inhibit or induce cell activation, others may be secreted as soluble receptors. ILT/LIR/MIR receptors may allow all immune cells to monitor class I expression on other cells and to respond in its absence, just as NK cells do. In addition, they may contribute to homeostasis by establishing activation thresholds that can be overcome only by relevant triggering stimuli and not by bystander cells.