Brown M G, Scalzo A A, Matsumoto K, Yokoyama W M
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Immunol Rev. 1997 Feb;155:53-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.1997.tb00939.x.
The natural killer gene complex encodes proteins, some of which are structurally unrelated, that impact on NK-cell function. Detailed analyses have indicated that these molecules are involved in NK-cell recognition, activation, and inhibition. The importance of this genomic region is highlighted by studies indicating that NKC-associated genes significantly influence NK cell-mediated innate host defense against life-threatening pathogens and that the NKC is conserved among diverse species. Thus, further elucidation of the NKC and its gene products will provide a genetic basis for understanding innate immunity and NK-cell activity at the molecular level.
自然杀伤基因复合体编码蛋白质，其中一些在结构上并无关联，但会影响自然杀伤细胞（NK细胞）的功能。详细分析表明，这些分子参与NK细胞的识别、激活和抑制过程。表明NKC相关基因显著影响NK细胞介导的针对危及生命病原体的先天性宿主防御，以及该复合体在不同物种间具有保守性的研究，突显了这一基因组区域的重要性。因此，对自然杀伤基因复合体及其基因产物的进一步阐释，将为在分子水平理解先天性免疫和NK细胞活性提供遗传学基础。
