Abstract
The development and function of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by the interaction of inhibitory receptors of the Ly49 family with distinct peptide-laden major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, although whether the Ly49 family is able bind to other MHC class I-like molecules is unclear. Here we found that the prototypic inhibitory receptor Ly49A bound the highly conserved nonclassical MHC class I molecule H2-M3 with an affinity similar to its affinity for H-2D d. The specific recognition of H2-M3 by Ly49A regulated the 'licensing' of NK cells and mediated 'missing-self' recognition of H2-M3-deficient bone marrow. Host peptide-H2-M3 was required for optimal NK cell activity against experimental metastases and carcinogenesis. Thus, nonclassical MHC class I molecules can act as cognate ligands for Ly49 molecules. Our results provide insight into the various mechanisms that lead to NK cell tolerance.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1171-1177 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nature Immunology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology