CD94 is essential for NK cell-mediated resistance to a lethal viral disease

Immunity. 2011 Apr 22;34(4):579-89. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2011.02.015.

Abstract

It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells confer resistance to many viral diseases, but in only a few instances the molecular mechanisms whereby NK cells recognize virus-infected cells are known. Here we show that CD94, a molecule preferentially expressed by NK cells, is essential for the resistance of C57BL/6 mice to mousepox, a disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus ectromelia virus. Ectromelia virus-infected cells expressing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecule Qa-1(b) are specifically recognized by the activating receptor formed by CD94 and NKG2E. Because CD94-NKG2 receptors and their ligands are highly conserved in rodents and humans, a similar mechanism may exist during human infections with the smallpox and monkeypox viruses, which are highly homologous to ectromelia virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement
  • Ectromelia, Infectious / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Mice
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / immunology*

Substances

  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D