KIR2DL2 enhances protective and detrimental HLA class I-mediated immunity in chronic viral infection

Nafisa Katrin Seich al Basatena, Aidan MacNamara, Alison M. Vine, Chloe L. Thio, Jacquie Astemborski, Koichiro Usuku, Mitsuhiro Osame, Gregory D. Kirk, Sharyne M. Donfield, James J. Goedert, Charles R.M. Bangham, Mary Carrington, Salim I. Khakoo, Becca Asquith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) influence both innate and adaptive immunity. But while the role of KIRs in NK-mediated innate immunity is well-documented, the impact of KIRs on the T cell response in human disease is not known. Here we test the hypothesis that an individual's KIR genotype affects the efficiency of their HLA class I-mediated antiviral immune response and the outcome of viral infection. We show that, in two unrelated viral infections, hepatitis C virus and human T lymphotropic virus type 1, possession of the KIR2DL2 gene enhanced both protective and detrimental HLA class I-restricted anti-viral immunity. These results reveal a novel role for inhibitory KIRs. We conclude that inhibitory KIRs, in synergy with T cells, are a major determinant of the outcome of persistent viral infection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere1002270
JournalPLoS pathogens
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Virology

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