CD94/NKG2

CD94/NKG2 is a family of C-type lectin receptors which are expressed predominantly on the surface of NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T-lymphocyte.[1][2] These receptors stimulate or inhibit cytotoxic activity of NK cells, therefore they are divided into activating and inhibitory receptors according to their function.[3] CD94/NKG2 recognize nonclassical MHC glycoproteins class I (HLA-E in human and Qa-1 molecules in the mouse).[4]

  1. ^ Borrego F, Masilamani M, Marusina AI, Tang X, Coligan JE (2006), The CD94/NKG2 family of receptors: from molecules and cells to clinical relevance. Immunol Res. 35(3):263-78
  2. ^ Colonna M, Moretta A, Vély F, Vivier E (2000), A high-resolution view of NK-cell receptors: structure and function. Immunol Today 21(9):428-31
  3. ^ Yokoyama WM, Plougastel BF (2003), Immune functions encoded by the natural killer gene complex. Nat Rev Immunol. 3(4):304-16
  4. ^ Lanier LL (2005), NK cell recognition. Annu Rev Immunol. 23:225-74