Abstract
The non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-E is the least polymorphic of all the MHC class I molecules and acts as a ligand for receptors of both the innate and the adaptive immune systems. The recognition of self-peptides complexed to HLA-E by the CD94-NKG2A receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) cells represents a crucial checkpoint for immune surveillance by NK cells. However, HLA-E can also be recognised by the T-cell receptor expressed by alphabeta CD8 T cells and therefore can play a role in the adaptive immune response to invading pathogens. The recent resolution of HLA-E in complex with both innate and adaptive ligands has provided insight into the dual role of this molecule in immunity.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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HLA Antigens / chemistry
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HLA Antigens / immunology
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HLA Antigens / metabolism*
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HLA-E Antigens
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / chemistry
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
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Humans
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Immunity, Active / immunology
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Immunity, Innate / immunology
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / immunology
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NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / metabolism*
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Polymorphism, Genetic
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Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs / physiology
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
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Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / immunology
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Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / metabolism
Substances
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HLA Antigens
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
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NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Receptors, Natural Killer Cell