NK cell maturation and peripheral homeostasis is associated with KLRG1 up-regulation
- Author(s)
- Huntington, ND; Tabarias, H; Fairfax, K; Brady, J; Hayakawa, Y; Degli-Esposti, MA; Smyth, MJ; Tarlinton, DM; Nutt, SL;
- Details
- Publication Year 2007-04-15,Volume 178,Issue #8,Page 4764-4770
- Journal Title
- JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- NK cells are important for the clearance of tumors, parasites, and virus-infected cells. Thus, factors that control NK cell numbers and function are critical for the innate immune response. A subset of NK cells express the inhibitory killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1). In this study, we identify that KLRG1 expression is acquired during periods of NK cell division such as development and homeostatic proliferation. KLRG1(+) NK cells are mature in phenotype, and we show for the first time that these cells have a slower in vivo turnover rate, reduced proliferative response to IL-15, and poorer homeostatic expansion potential compared with mature NK cells lacking KLRG1. Transfer into lymphopenic recipients indicate that KLRG1(-) NK cells are precursors of KLRG1(+) NK cells and KLRG1 expression accumulates following cell division. Furthermore, KLRG1(+) NK cells represent a significantly greater proportion of NK cells in mice with enhanced NK cell numbers such as Cd45(-/-) mice. These data indicate that NK cells acquire KLRG1 on their surface during development, and this expression correlates with functional distinctions from other peripheral NK cells in vivo.
- Publisher
- AMER ASSOC IMMUNOLOGISTS
- Keywords
- NATURAL-KILLER-CELLS; FUNCTION-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN; CD8 T-CELLS; CUTTING EDGE; MOUSE HOMOLOG; E-CADHERIN; IFN-GAMMA; LECTIN; MICE; PROLIFERATION
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2007-04-15 12:00:00