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- Title
MHC class I molecules and KIRs in human history, health and survival.
- Authors
Parham, Peter
- Abstract
MHC class I molecules are ligands for the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which are expressed by natural killer cells and T cells. The interactions between these molecules contribute to both innate and adaptive immunity. KIRs and MHC class I molecules are encoded by unlinked polymorphic gene families that distinguish all but the most related individuals. Combinations of MHC class I and KIR variants influence resistance to infections, susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and complications of pregnancy, as well as outcome after haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Such correlations raise the possibility that interplay between KIR and MHC class I polymorphisms has facilitated human survival in the presence of epidemic infections and has influenced both reproduction and population growth.
- Publication
Nature reviews. Immunology, 2005, Vol 5, Issue 3, p201
- ISSN
1474-1733
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/nri1570