@article {311062, title = {The genetic and evolutionary balances in human NK cell receptor diversity.}, journal = {Semin Immunol}, volume = {20}, year = {2008}, month = {2008 Dec}, pages = {311-6}, abstract = {

In primates and cattle two ancient killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) lineages independently evolved to become diverse NK cell receptors. In mice, KIR genes were sidelined to the X chromosome, a possible consequence of pathogen-mediated selection on the receptor for IgA-Fc. In humans, KIR uniquely form two omnipresent haplotype groups (A and B), postulated here to play complementary and necessary roles in immune defense and reproduction. The basis of KIR3DL1/S1 polymorphism is three ancient lineages maintained by long-term balancing selection and present in all human populations. Conserved and variable NK cell receptors produce structurally diverse NK cell receptor repertoires within a defined range of missing-self-response.

}, keywords = {Animals, Antigens, CD, Evolution, Molecular, Genetic Variation, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Receptors, Fc, Receptors, KIR, Receptors, KIR3DL1, Receptors, Natural Killer Cell, Reproduction}, issn = {1044-5323}, doi = {10.1016/j.smim.2008.10.002}, author = {Parham, Peter} }