Under representation of the inhibitory KIR3DL1 molecule and the KIR3DL1+/BW4+ complex in HIV exposed seronegative individuals

Abstract

The activation of natural killer (NK) cells is modulated by surface molecules. We analyzed NK cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals by means of molecular typing of HLA B, Cw, and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) molecules. In HESN individuals, compared with HIV patients, the frequency of the inhibitory KIR3DL1 allele and of the KIR3DL1+/Bw4+ inhibitory complex was reduced, whereas that of the activatory KIR3DS1+ ligand and the activatory Bw4+/3DL1-/3DS1+ complex was increased, resulting in a statistically significant diversion from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (KIR3DS1 homozygote) in HESN individuals. The reciprocal equilibrium between inhibitory and activatory NK receptors and their ligands favors NK activation in HESN individuals. © The Author 2011.