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Kir Essay

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KIRs are encoded by a diverse family of 17 genes on chromosome 19q13.4 and segregate independently from HLA genes.11 The naming convention for these receptors is based on the number of immunoglobulin-like domains in the molecule, and the length of the cytoplasmic tail, integrating both structure and function. A short-tailed cytoplasmic tail (S) indicates an activating tail, whereas a long-tailed cytoplasmic tail (L) indicates an inhibitory KIR. The Number prefaced before the letter “D” (ie “2D”) references the number of extracellular immunoglobulin domains11,13. For example, KIR2DL1 signifies 2 immunoglobulin domains and a long cytoplasmic tail with inhibitory functionality 7. The last number of the name refers to the number of that …show more content…

By targeting these specific KIR regions, the usage of Lirilumab facilitates NK cell activation by blocking their inhibitory receptors and is being tested against several tumor types in Phase I and II trials 15,16. Utilizing the antitumor effects of NK cells, several groups have explored the adoptive transfer of NK cells to treat hematologic malignancies. The beneficial utilization ofof Interleukin 2 (IL2) activated lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells for metastaticcancer was first reported in 1985 by the Rosenberg group 18. Building upon the early therapeutic successes in refractoy settings, 19,20. the Miller group conducted a phase I study using low dose IL-2 after autologous transplant to evaluate cytolytic tumor activity byIL-2 activated autologous NK cells. 21. While the study did demonstrate IL-2-mediated augmented in vivo NK cell activity, it did not lead to clinically significant antitumor effect. This was hypothesized to be secondary to NK cell recognition of “self” MHC molecules of autologous cells thereby resulting in suppressive NK functionality.20 To overcome suppression of autologous NK cells, many groups have evaluated adoptive immunotherapy utilizing donor derived allogeneic NK cells. . The importance of NK cells in alloHSCT can be characterized by their role in mediating immune reconstitution, GVHD, disease relapse, and infection control22. As such, the importance of NK cells is underscored by the fact that they are the first

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