Gradual Increase of FcγRIIIa/CD16a Expression and Shift toward IFN-γ Secretion during Differentiation of CD56^dim Natural Killer Cells.

ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cell effector functions include cytotoxicity and secretion of cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The immature CD56^bright subset of human NK cells lacks expression of FcγRIIIa/CD16a, one of the low-affinity immunoglobulin G receptors, or exhibits low-density expression (CD56^brightCD16^-/dim) and produces IFN-γ in response to cytokine stimulation, whereas the mature CD56^dimCD16⁺ subset is the most cytotoxic one. A further differentiation/maturation of the latter subset according to the gradual loss of NKG2A and/or gain of KIR2DL (CD158a and CD158b) has been demonstrated and the ability to produce IFN-γ in response to activating receptor (AR) co-engagement is gradually acquired during terminal differentiation. In t

SUBMITTER: Lajoie L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5701929 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature