ABSTRACT
Natural killer cell function is controlled by interaction of NK receptors with MHC I molecules expressed on target cells. We describe the binding of bacterially expressed Ly49A, the prototype murine NK inhibitory receptor, to similarly engineered H-2Dd. Despite its homology to C-type lectins, Ly49A binds independently of carbohydrate and Ca2+ and shows specificity for MHC I but not bound peptide. The affinity of the Ly49A/H-2Dd interaction as determined by surface plasmon resonance is from 6 to 26 microM at 25 degrees C and is greater by ultracentrifugation at 4 degrees C. Biotinylated Ly49A stains H-2Dd-expressing cells. Competition experiments indicate that the Ly49A and T cell receptor (TCR) binding sites on MHC I are distinct, suggesting complex regulation of cells that bear both TCR and NK cell receptors.