Allelic MHC class I chain related B (MICB) molecules affect the binding to the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) unique long 16 (UL16) protein: implications for immune surveillance.

Unique long 16 (UL16) is a viral glycoprotein produced in a host cell infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). It down regulates surface expression of MICB, one of the NKG2D ligands, by forming stable intracellular complexes and retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Down expression of MICB renders cells less susceptible to NK cell lysis via the NKG2D receptor.

HLA class I and II alleles and haplotypes in ethnic Northeast Thais.

Allele frequencies (AFs) and haplotypic associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II were investigated in 400 unrelated, healthy, ethnic Northeast Thais. HLA-A, -B, -Cw, -DRB1 and -DQB1 were typed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer, -sequence specific oligonucleotide probe and -single-strand conformation polymorphism methods. In this population, 17 HLA-A, 26 HLA-B, 15 HLA-Cw, 26 HLA-DRB1 and 13 HLA-DQB1 alleles (or groups of alleles) were found.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A (MICA), a ligand for the activating immunoreceptor natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), is expressed on stressed cells such as tumor cells. Study of expression of this molecule on tumor cells and patients' sera is useful to define patients' stages leading to proper selection of therapy. In this study, mouse anti-MICA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced by DNA immunization using a gene gun.

Association of polymorphic extracellular domains of MICA with cervical cancer in northeastern Thai population.

Cancer of the cervix is one of the common cancers among women worldwide. The primary risk factor of cervical cancer is the high-risk group human papillomavirus infection. Host genetic factors should also be involved.