PLoS ONE (Jan 2016)

HLA-F and MHC-I Open Conformers Bind Natural Killer Cell Ig-Like Receptor KIR3DS1.

  • Aura Burian,
  • Kevin L Wang,
  • Kathryn A K Finton,
  • Ni Lee,
  • Akiko Ishitani,
  • Roland K Strong,
  • Daniel E Geraghty

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0163297
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 9
p. e0163297

Abstract

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Based on previous findings supporting HLA-F as a ligand for KIR3DL2 and KIR2DS4, we investigated the potential for MHC-I open conformers (OCs) as ligands for KIR3DS1 and KIR3DL1 through interactions measured by surface plasmon resonance. These measurements showed physical binding of KIR3DS1 but not KIR3DL1 with HLA-F and other MHC-I OC while also confirming the allotype specific binding of KIR3DL1 with MHC-I peptide complex. Concordant results were obtained with biochemical pull-down from cell lines and biochemical heterodimerization experiments with recombinant proteins. In addition, surface binding of HLA-F and KIR3DS1 to native and activated NK and T cells was coincident with specific expression of the putative ligand or receptor. A functional response of KIR3DS1 was indicated by increased granule exocytosis in activated cells incubated with HLA-F bound to surfaces. The data extend a model for interaction between MHC-I open conformers and activating KIR receptors expressed during an inflammatory response, potentially contributing to communication between the innate and adaptive immune response.