Allele diversity of the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors KIR3DL1/S1 and the combination with their HLA ligands in Mexican Mestizos from Mexico City.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), expressed on Natural Killer (NK) cells, activate/inhibit NK cell function through interactions with their HLA-A, B and C ligands. KIR3DL1 is one of the most polymorphic genes and its effect varies depending on the interaction of the specific allotype with its Bw4 ligand. We investigated the allelic diversity of KIR3DL1/S1 using sequence based typing and we typed as well, their Bw4 ligands in Mexican Mestizos of Mexico City. The results showed that this population has a great KIR3DL1 allelic diversity with ∗01502 (19.9%), ∗00101 (13.2%) and ∗00501 (12.8%) being the most common alleles, while KIR3DS1 showed predominance of ∗01301 (86%); these data agree with the diversity found in most populations studied. At least one KIR3DL1-HIGH surface expression allele was present in 67.5% of the subjects. Phylogenetic comparisons between Mestizos and 28 different populations showed that allelic diversity of KIR3DL1/S1 was similar in Mexican Mestizos from Mexico and in Hispanics from USA. Knowledge of KIR and MHC diversity worldwide is fundamental for understanding the impact of KIR and KIR-ligand polymorphism on NK cell effector functions and is relevant in genetic anthropology, disease association and transplantation.

Field study of the safety of abate for treating potable water and observations on the effectiveness of a control programme involving both abate and malathion.

Abate is a larvicide for Aedes aegypti, a vector of yellow fever, dengue, and haemorrhagic fever. It is less toxic than malathion or DDT. Tests in human volunteers had previously indicated it would be safe to add to drinking-water where the mosquito often breeds.In a 19-month test in Puerto Rico, Abate was added to the drums and cisterns in which a community of about 2000 persons stored their drinking-water. This use of Abate and other insecticidal measures (malathion spraying) gradually achieved control of A. aegypti during the first 4 months of treatment and control was maintained thereafter although the test area was surrounded by active breeding-sites. There was no accumulation of Abate in the water in spite of monthly additions of the compound. With minor exceptions, residents readily accepted this use of Abate. Careful surveillance failed to reveal any illness or significant side-effects attributable to measures adopted in the control programme. Abate is considered safe for full-scale field use according to directions.