Inhibition of gamma delta T cell recognition by receptors for MHC class I molecules.

NK cells have receptors for MHC class I molecules that inhibit cytotoxicity against target cells. We show that recognition of gamma delta CTL is negatively regulated by receptors for MHC class I molecules. Cytolysis of C1R cells by gamma delta CTL clones was inhibited by the expression of polymorphic HLA class I molecules on target cells and was restored by blocking with anti-HLA class I mAb, suggesting the presence of inhibitory receptors for HLA class I molecules. The receptors for HLA class I molecules on gamma delta T cells were heterogenous. The immune responses to various Ags may be regulated via these inhibitory receptors on T cells and NK cells.