NK cells express inhibitory receptors that bind to MHC class I molecules.
Added by Denise G.
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- Inhibitory receptors: Receptors on the surface of NK cells that, when activated, prevent the NK cell from attacking a target cell. - MHC class I molecules: Major Histocompatibility Complex class I molecules, proteins on the surface of cells that present peptides Show more…
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NK cells must express inhibitory receptors for self MHC class I proteins in order to develop the capacity to kill altered self-cells.
Madhur L.
A metabolically stressed epithelial cell expresses the protein MIC-A on its surface, and then interacts with a natural killer (NK) cell. What is the outcome of this interaction? MIC-A binds to NKG2D, which activates the NK cell through sensing of "stress-induced self". The NK cell then kills the epithelial cell via apoptosis. MIC-A binds to NKG2A, inhibiting NK cell activation. The epithelial cell survives. MIC-A destabilizes MHC-I expression at the cell surface, disrupting NKG2A binding. Lack of inhibitory signaling activates the NK cell. The NK cell then kills the epithelial cell via apoptosis. MIC-A binds to NKG2D, but is overruled by inhibitory receptors on the NK cell that bind to MHC-I on the epithelial cell. The epithelial cell survives.
Adi S.
NK cells have multiple activating and inhibitory receptors. Activating receptors send signals that help "switch on" the NK cell. Inhibitory receptors act as a check on NK cell killing. NK cells constantly 'patrol' tissues contacting other cells; signals from activating and inhibitory receptors determine whether NK cells kill the other cells they are in contact with or leave them alone. NK cells and cytotoxic T-cells are both part of the anti-viral responses. Cytotoxic T-cells target virally infected cells for killing by recognizing viral specific antigens displayed by the infected cell. NK cells target virally infected cells using their multiple activating and inhibitory receptors as described above. What would the advantage of how NK cells target virally infected cells (activating & inhibitory receptors) vs. T-cells (antigen specific)? Make sure you're explaining your thought process.
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