NK细胞受体KIR2DL4的结构与功能

KIR2DL4分子是NK细胞受体(NKR)的一种,属于免疫球蛋白样(IgSF)受体家族成员,主要分布在自然杀伤(Natural killer,NK)细胞上。KIR2DL4是HLA-G分子的特异性受体,结构上具备激活性和抑制性受体的双重特点,能够通过不同途径影响NK细胞的活性,具有重要的免疫调节功能。     

Recognition of HLA-G by the NK cell receptor KIR2DL4 is not essential for human reproduction

A central issue of reproductive immunology in mammals is why a semi-allogeneic embryo is not rejected by the pregnant mother. This is particularly intriguing since, in different species, the early pregnant uterus is infiltrated by numerous maternal lymphocytes, predominantly NK cells. The human NK cell receptor KIR2DL4 has been implicated in the maternal tolerance to the embryo due to its recognition of HLA-G, a non-classical MHC molecule expressed preferentially in the placenta. Killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) are believed to participate in the natural immunity to infection and tumors, but KIR2DL4 has unique structural, functional and genetic features that could confer it a different role. However, we demonstrate here that the KIR2DL4:HLA-G interaction is not essential for human reproduction by showing that a multiparous woman lacks a KIR2DL4 gene.     

KIR2DL分子的研究进展

KIR2DL分子是NK细胞受体(NKR)的一种,属免疫球蛋白样受体家族成员,分布在NK细胞和部分细胞毒性T淋巴细胞上。KIR2DL与相应的配体HLA-C结合后传递抑制信号,使NK细胞对靶细胞的杀伤作用被抑制。本文对此受体的结构及其识别与信号转导机制的研究进展作一综述。     

Recognition of HLA-A3 and HLA-A11 by KIR3DL2 is peptide-specific

The recognition of MHC class I molecules by killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) is central to the control of NK cell function and can also modulate the CTL activation threshold. Among KIR receptors, KIR3DL2 is thought to interact with HLA-A3 and -A11, although direct evidence has been lacking. In this study, we show that HLA-A3 and -A11 tetramers specifically bind to KIR3DL2*001 transfectants and that this recognition is peptide-specific. Single amino acid substitutions in the nonamer peptide underline a critical role for residue 8 in recognition of KIR3DL2. However, the role of this interaction in vivo still remains to be established.     

KIR2DL4 expression rather than its single nucleotide polymorphisms correlates with pre-eclampsia

Objective: To evaluate the single nucleotide polymorphisms and expression of KIR2DL4 (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors) gene in pre-eclampsia patients. Methods: KIR2DL4 gene polymorphisms were detected in 100 patients with pre-eclampsia and 100 healthy pregnant women, respectively, by using PCR-SS. Then, the expression of KIR2DL4 was measured in 5 cases of placentas tissues with pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancies by using qRT-PCR. Results: Compared with healthy controls, 16 loci of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified in pre-eclampsia patients, including 7 new polymorphisms loci. But, no significant difference was found in genotype distributions and allele frequencies in pre-eclampsia and controls (P>0.05). However, qRT-PCR results showed that KIR2DL4 mRNA in placenta tissues with pre-eclampsia was significantly lower than those with normal pregnancy, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Decreased level of KIR2DL4 rather than its SNP is correlated with the susceptibility of pre-eclampsia.     

KIR2DL4在NK-92细胞上的超表达及其功能分析

目的 克隆KIR2DL4 cDNA，并使其在NK-92细胞上获得稳定表达，分析KIR2DL4分子对NK-92细胞功能的调节作用。方法 采用RT-PCR方法，从人蜕膜单个核细胞扩增出KIR2DL4 cDNA，将目的基因亚克隆于逆转录病毒表达载体构建成KIR2DL4-pLNCX表达载体，将重组质粒转入NK-92细胞，利用单克隆抗体#33进行FACS检测，观察KIR2DL4分子在靶细胞表面的表达。ELISA检测KIR2DL4对IFN-γ分泌的影响，同时根据LDH的释放实验，分析KIR2DL4分子对NK-92细胞毒功能的调节。结果：KIR2DL4分子在经KIR2DL4-pLNCX转染的靶细胞表面获得稳定高表达，且不影响其他受体在：NK-92细胞上的表达水平。KIR2DL4分子能够部分限制：NK-92细胞对HLA-G阳性靶细胞的杀伤作用，交联KIR2DL4分子能够诱导IFN-γ的分泌。结论 成功构建了KIR2DL4-pLNCX逆转录病毒表达载体，并使KIR2DL4分子在NK-92细胞上获得功能性的高表达。     

人KIR2DL1-Ig融合蛋白在COS-7细胞的表达

目的：获得人KIR2DL1分子(killer lg—like receptor 2DL1)胞外区与人IgG Fc段的融合蛋白。方法：从人外周血单个核细胞中提取总RNA，通过RT—PCR扩增编码KIR2DL1胞外段cDNA，经Nhe Ⅰ和BamH Ⅰ双酶切后，定向插入真核细胞表达载体CD51negl中。构建的重组真核表达载体CD51negl—KIR2DL1。经酶切分析和测序鉴定后，通过DEAE—dextran／ehloroquine法转染COS—7细胞：瞬时表达后，取培养上清液经亲和层析、ELISA、SDS—PAGE及Western印迹，鉴定融合蛋白的表达及其免疫学活性。结果：序列测定证实，该重组表达载体含有正确的KIR2DL1胞外区基因序列。重组真核表达载体CD5lnegl—KIR2DL1转染COS—7细胞后，ELISA法检测细胞培养上清中有融合蛋白的表达。SDS—PAGE结果显示，该融合蛋白的相对分子质量(Mc)约为73000。Western印迹结果证实，该蛋白能被特异性单克隆抗体(mAb)EB6所识别。结论：KIR2DL1—Ig融合蛋白表达载体成功构建并在COS—7细胞中获得功能性表达，为KIR2DL1的功能及其配体MHC的研究奠定了基础。     

HLA-Gα1结构域Met76和Gln79在KIR2DL4特异性识别中的作用研究

目的 探讨HLA-G α1结构域中特异的Met76和Gln79两个位点在HLA-G特异性受体KIR2DL4识别中的作用.方法 采用真核表达载体CD51neg1,克隆表达KIR2DL4胞外区与IgGFc段的可溶性融合蛋白;利用“桥式”PCR和“点突变”方法,将位于HLA-G目的基因α1结构域中编码Met76和Gln79的密码子突变为Ala76,79（HLA-mG）,通过逆转录病毒表达载体分别使野生型HLA-G及其突变体在HLAⅠ分子阴性的K562细胞上表达.流式细胞术分别测定KIR2DL4-IgG Fc融合蛋白与野生型HLA-G及Met76、Gln79→Ala76,79 HLA-G突变体结合的荧光强度,通过比较两者的平均荧光强度分析HLA-G分子Met76、Gln79残基在HLA-G与其受体KIR2DL4识别过程中的作用.结果 Western blot结果显示,本实验成功表达KIR2DL4-IgG Fc融合蛋白.FACS结果表明,野生型HLA-G及Met76、Gln79→Ala76,79 HLA-G突变体在K562细胞上高表达.Met76、Gln79突变为Ala76,79后能显著影响KIR2DL4对HLA-G分子的识别.结论 HLA-Gα1结构域中Met76和Gln79可能是其特异性受体KIR2DL4识别的关键位点.     

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR2DL4 diversity by sequence-based typing in Chinese population

Human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) play an important role in controlling natural killer (NK) cell function. Here, polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) procedures identifying alleles of the KIR2DL4 gene have been established. The method was designed around the specific amplification of exon 3 to exon 5 and exon 7 to exon 9 of the KIR2DL4 gene and produce discrimination of KIR2DL4 alleles. Genomic DNAs from 83 healthy unrelated Chinese Han individuals were typed for KIR2DL4 alleles by this method. Each sample was assigned to the putative KIR2DL4 allele combination according to the nucleotide polymorphism profiles of all KIR2DL4 alleles. Twenty-one different genotypes and seven KIR2DL4 alleles were observed in the population, with KIR2DL4*00102 having the highest frequency, 0.5. Five individuals bear a recombinant allele KIR3DP*004 that associated with three putative KIR2DL4 alleles. Our data demonstrated that the established PCR-SBT method for KIR2DL4 allele typing was reliable, and Chinese Han population is distinct in KIR2DL4 allele frequencies in comparison to some other populations.     

KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL1 show similar impact on licensing of human NK cells

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor/HLA class I (KIR/HLA‐I) combinations are associated with disease risk, implicating functional roles for NK cells (NKCs) or KIR⁺ T cells. KIR/HLA‐I interactions can act through inhibition of NKC activation by target cells and NKC licensing for greater intrinsic responsiveness. We compared licensing conferred by the weaker, HLA‐C group 1/KIR2DL3, and the stronger, HLA‐C group 2/KIR2DL1, inhibitory combinations. The “rheostat model” predicts weaker licensing by HLA‐C1/KIR2DL3 interactions than HLA‐C2/KIR2DL1. We analyzed degranulation in NKC subsets expressing single and multiple receptors for HLA‐I. NKG2A had the strongest licensing impact, while KIR2DL3, KIR2DL1, and KIR3DL1 were weaker, and not significantly different to each other. Presence of one or two matched HLA‐C allotypes did not alter licensing of KIR2DL3⁺ and KIR2DL1⁺ NKC. Coexpression of activating KIR2DS1 disarmed KIR2DL3⁺ and KIR2DL1⁺ NKC to a similar extent. KIR3DL1 and NKG2A combined for more enhanced licensing of double‐positive NKC than the combination of KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL1. Thus, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DL1 have similar capacity to license NKC, suggesting that inhibitory signal strength and amount of available HLA‐C ligands do not correlate with NKC licensing. Altogether, our results show that the basis for disease associations of HLA‐C and KIR2DL likely encompasses factors other than licensing.     

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors gene KIR3DL2 diversity and confirmation of KIR3DL2*015 in a Chinese population

Human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a subfamily of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Here, we established polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) procedure to identify alleles of KIR3DL2 gene. The method was designed around the specific amplification of exon 3 to exon 4 and exon 8 to exon 9 of the KIR3DL2 gene. Genomic DNA from 104 healthy, unrelated Chinese Han individuals was typed for KIR3DL2 alleles. Each sample was assigned to the putative allele combination according to the sequences of all KIR3DL2 alleles. We observed 18 different genotypes and eight KIR3DL2 alleles in the population, with KIR3DL2*002 having the highest frequency of 0.558, and confirmed the new KIR3DL2*015 allele. Our data showed that the established PCR-SBT methods for KIR3DL2 allele typing were reliable, and Chinese Han population is distinct in KIR3DL2 allele frequencies.     

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene diversity III. KIR2DL3

The allelic variation of one of the chromosome 19 KIR genes, KIR2DL3, has been investigated using a polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe-based methodology. The procedure has been applied to a healthy Northern Irish control group in order to establish phenotype and genotype frequencies in this Caucasian population. In addition, cell line DNA and Centre d'Etude du Humaine (CEPH) families, both from the 13th International Histocompatibility Workshop have been investigated, establishing control data for this gene.     

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene diversity V. KIR3DL2

Allelic definition within the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene, KIR3DL2, has been achieved through a sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe methodology, designed around the specific amplification of the D0 and D1 domains and a section of the cytoplasmic tail of this gene. The system has been applied to a healthy Northern Irish control group, establishing frequencies for this Caucasian population. Additionally, the KIR3DL2 allele status of cell line DNA and Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) families, both from the 13th International Histocompatibility Workshop, has been established. A high level of KIR3DL2 allelic polymorphism has been identified.     

上海地区汉族人群KIR2DL5基因多态性及单元型分析

KIR2DL5基因是杀伤细胞免疫球蛋白样受体 (KIR )单元型B的特征性标志 ,至少有 4个变异体 ,其中 2DL5A 0 0 1和2DL5B 0 0 3是表达型 ,统称为KIR2DL5 1;2DL5B 0 0 2和 2DL5B 0 0 4是不表达型 ,统称为KIR2DL5 2。本文用序列特异性引物PCR法 (PCR SSP )分析了KIR2DL5表达型KIR2DL5 1和不表达型KIR2DL5 2在上海地区正常汉族人群的分布及其在KIR单元型的组成。结果发现 (1)在 87名健康汉族人和 14个家族中表达型KIR2DL5 1和不表达型KIR2DL5 2基因频率分别为0 1977和 0 0 4 11;(2 )KIR2DL5基因变异体在不同单元型中分布不同 ,有 5种不同组合 ,其中单元型 1、 2、 3、 4、 11、 12、15和 16不含KIR2DL5及其变异体 ;单元型 5和 14只含有KIR2DL5 1;单元型 13和 17只含有KIR2DL5 2 ;单元型 6含有单一KIR2DL5 1或二者兼有 ;单元型 8和 9同时含有KIR2DL5 1和KIR2DL5 2。     

KIR2DL1 allelic diversity: four new alleles characterized in a bone marrow transplant population and three families

Sequencing of PCR amplified genomic DNA including most of the coding region was used to identify killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL1 alleles from three families and 77 bone marrow transplant patients and donors. Alleles 2DL1*00302 and *002 were frequently observed in addition to two other known alleles and four new alleles, 2DL1*00402, 2DL1*007, 2DL1*008, and 2DL1*009.     

The silent KIR3DP1 gene (CD158c) is transcribed and might encode a secreted receptor in a minority of humans, in whom the KIR3DP1, KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 genes are duplicated

Killer-cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) are structurally and functionally diverse, and enable human NK cells to survey the expression of individual HLA class I molecules, often altered in infections and tumors. Multiple events of non-reciprocal recombination have contributed to the rapid diversification of KIR. We show that approximately 4.5% of the individuals of a Caucasoid population bear a recombinant allele of KIR3DP1, officially designed KIR3DP1*004, that associates tightly with gene duplications of KIR3DP1, KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1. The KIR3DP1 gene is normally silent, but the recombinant allele carries a novel promoter sequence and, as a consequence, is transcribed in all tested individuals. Messenger RNA of KIR3DP1*004 is made up of six exons; of these, exons 1-5 are similar to, and spliced like, those encoding the leader peptide and Ig-domains of KIR3D. By contrast, exon 6 is homologous to no other human KIR sequence, but only to possible homologs in chimpanzees and rhesus macaques, and encodes a short hydrophilic tail. The putative KIR3DP1*004 product, like those of the related genes LAIR-2 and LILRA3/ILT6/LIR4, is predicted to be secreted to the extracellular medium rather than anchored to the cell membrane.     

The differential impact of natural killer (NK) cell education via KIR2DL3 and KIR3DL1 on CCL4 secretion in the context of in‐vitro HIV infection

Carriage of certain inhibitory natural killer (NK) cell receptor (iNKR)/HLA ligand pairs is associated with protection from infection and slow time to AIDS implicating NK cells in HIV control. NK cells acquire functional potential through education, which requires the engagement of iNKRs by their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligands. HIV infection down‐regulates cell surface HLA‐A/B, but not HLA‐C/E. We investigated how NK cell populations expressing combinations of the iNKRs NKG2A, KIR2DL3 (2DL3) and KIR3DL1 (3DL1) responded to autologous HIV infected CD4 (iCD4) cells. Purified NK cells from HIV‐uninfected individuals were stimulated with autologous HIV iCD4 or uninfected CD4 T cells. Using flow cytometry we gated on each of the 8 NKG2A^+/–2DL3^+/–3DL1^+/‐ populations and analysed all possible combinations of interferon (IFN)‐γ, CCL4 and CD107a functional subsets responding to iCD4 cells. Infected CD4 cells induced differential frequencies of NKG2A^+/–2DL3^+/–3DL1^+/– populations with total IFN‐γ⁺, CCL4⁺ and CD107a⁺ functional profiles. 2DL3⁺NKG2A⁺ NK cells had a higher frequency of responses to iCD4 than other populations studied. A higher frequency of 2DL3⁺ NK cells responded to iCD4 from individuals that were not HLA‐C1 homozygotes. These results show that 2DL3⁺ NK cells are mediators of HIV‐specific responses. Furthermore, responses of NK cell populations to iCD4 are influenced not only by NK cell education through specific KIR/HLA pairs, but also by differential HIV‐mediated changes in HLA expression.