The murine CMV (MCMV) immunoevasin m04/gp34 escorts MHC class I (MHC I) molecules to the surface of infected cells where these complexes bind Ly49 inhibitory receptors (IRs) and prevent NK cell attack. Nonetheless, certain self-MHC I-binding Ly49 activating and inhibitory receptors are able to promote robust NK cell expansion and antiviral immunity during MCMV infection. A basis for MHC I-dependent NK cell sensing of MCMV-infected targets and control of MCMV infection however remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants live under the constant challenge of microbes that probe the environment in search of potential hosts. Plant cells perceive microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from incoming microbes and activate defense responses that suppress attempted infections. Despite the substantial progress made in understanding MAMP-triggered signaling pathways, the downstream mechanisms that suppress bacterial growth and disease remain poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNatural killer (NK) cells mediate vital control of cancer and viral infection. They rely on MHC class I (MHC I)-specific self-receptors to identify and lyse diseased cells without harming self-MHC I-bearing host cells. NK cells bearing inhibitory self-receptors for host MHC I also undergo education, referred to as licensing, which causes them to become more responsive to stimulation via activation receptor signaling.
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