Specific amplification of cDNA ends (SPACE): a new tool for the analysis of rare transcripts and its application for the promoter analysis of killer cell receptor genes.

The expression control of activating and inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) on natural killer (NK) cells is highly relevant for the initiation of NK cell mediated cytolysis and cytokine secretion. Transcription start points of nine human KIR genes from two Caucasian donors and the NK cell line NK3.3 were investigated.