Natural killer (NK)-dendritic cell interactions generate MHC class II-dressed NK cells that regulate CD4+ T cells.

ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to not only innate but also to adaptive immunity by interacting with dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. All activated human NK cells express HLA-DR and can initiate MHCII-dependent CD4(+) T-cell proliferation; however, the expression of MHCII by mouse NK cells and its functional significance are controversial. In this study, we show that NK-DC interactions result in the emergence of MHCII-positive NK cells. Upon in vitro or in vivo activation, mouse conventional NK cells did not induce MHCII transcripts, but rapidly acquired MHCII protein from DCs. MHCII H2-Ab1-deficient NK cells turned I-A(b)-positive when adoptively transferred into wild-type mice or when cultured with WT splenic DCs. NK acquisition of MHCII was mediated by intercellular membrane tran

SUBMITTER: Nakayama M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3215013 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature