HLA-C as a mediator of natural killer and T-cell activation: Spectator or key player?

Journal article

The biochemical properties of the HLA-C antigen differ substantially from those of HLA-A and -B molecules. For this reason, HLA-C diversity and expression at the cell surface are much lower than its counterparts and in consequence HLA-C-restricted responses have been infrequently detected and described. In this review we summarise the key differences between HLA-C and other class I molecules and provide an update on natural killer and T-cell responses restricted by HLA-C. We also discuss the different clinical settings associated with HLA-C alleles which mainly consist of autoimmune disorders, cancers and chronic infections. © 2011 The Authors. Immunology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Authors: Blais, M; Dong, T; Rowland-Jones, S

• Journal: Immunology
• Volume: 133
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 1-7
• Publication date: 2011-05-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2011.03422.x
• EISSN: 1365-2567
• ISSN: 0019-2805
• Language: English
• Keywords: Killer immunoglobulin receptors; HIV; HLA-C; Epitopes; T cells