The role of CD94/NKG2 in innate and adaptive immunity

Anasuya Gunturi, Rance E. Berg, James Forman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

87 Scopus citations

Abstract

CD94/NKG2 is a heterodimer expressed on natural killer (NK) and a small subset of T cells. This receptor varies in function as an inhibitor or activator depending on which isoform of NKG2 is expressed. The ligand for CD94/NKG2 is HLA-E in human and its homolog, Qa1 in mouse, which are both nonclassical class I molecules that bind leader peptides from other class I molecules. Although <5% of CD8 T cells express the receptor in a naïve mouse, its expression is upregulated upon specific recognition of antigen. Similar to NK cells, most CD8 T cells that express high levels of CD94 co-express NKG2A, the inhibitory isoform. The engagement of this receptor can lead to a blocking of cytotoxicity. However, these receptors have also been implicated in the cell survival of both NK and CD8 T cells. The level of CD94 expression is inversely correlated with the level of apoptosis in culture. Thus, CD94/NKG2 receptors may regulate effector functions and cell survival of NK cells and CD8 T cells, thereby playing a crucial role in the innate and adaptive immune response to a pathogen.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-34
Number of pages6
JournalImmunologic Research
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • NK cells
  • T lymphocytes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology

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