Research article summary (published 30 May 2009):

Functional role of human NK cell receptor 2B4 (CD244) isoforms.

Full Abstract

2B4 (CD244), a member of the signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule (SLAM/CD150), is expressed on all NK cells, a subpopulation of T cells, monocytes and basophils. Human NK cells express two isoforms of 2B4, h2B4-A and h2B4-B that differ in a small portion of the extracellular domain. In the present investigation, we have studied the functions of h2B4-A and h2B4-B. Our study demonstrated that these two isoforms differ in their binding affinity for CD48, which results in differential cytotoxic activity as well as intracellular calcium release by NK cells upon target cell recognition. Analysis of the predicted 3-D structure of the two isoforms showed conformational differences that could account for their differences in binding affinity to CD48. h2B4-A was able to mediate natural cytotoxicity against CD48-expressing K562 target cells and induce intracellular calcium release, whereas h2B4-B showed no effects. NK-92MI, U937, THP-1, KU812, primary monocytes, basophils and NK cells showed expression of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B whereas YT and IL-2-activated NK cells did not show any h2B4-B expression. Stimulation of NK cells through 2B4 resulted in decreased mRNA levels of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B indicating that down-regulation of 2B4 isoforms may be an important factor in controlling NK cell activation during immune responses.

Author information

Author/s: Mathew, Stephen O (SO); Rao, Krithi K (KK); Kim, Jong R (JR); Bambard, Nowland D (ND); Mathew, Porunelloor A (PA);

Affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology and Institute for Cancer Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699, USA.

Grants: CA 85753 (Agency:NCI NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: European journal of immunology (Eur J Immunol), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jun; vol 39 (issue 6) : pp 1632-41

Dates: Created 2009/06/10; Completed 2009/07/02;

PMID: 19499526, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 7/2/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Antibodies, Monoclonal - immunology; pharmacology Antibody Specificity - immunology Antigens, CD - chemistry; genetics; metabolism; physiology B-Lymphocytes - metabolism Basophils - metabolism Calcium Signaling - immunology Cell Line, Tumor Cytotoxicity, Immunologic - physiology Down-Regulation - immunology Gene Expression - genetics Humans

Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments - genetics K562 Cells Killer Cells, Natural - drug effects; metabolism Macrophages - metabolism Models, Molecular Protein Binding - immunology Protein Conformation Protein Isoforms - chemistry; physiology Protein Structure, Quaternary Receptors, Immunologic - chemistry; physiology Recombinant Fusion Proteins - metabolism

Associated Chemicals: Antibodies, Monoclonal (0) ; Antigens, CD (0) ; CD244 protein, human (0) ; CD48 antigen (0) ; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments (0) ; Protein Isoforms (0) ; Receptors, Immunologic (0) ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins (0)

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