Inhibitory forms of killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) are important negative regulators of human natural killer (NK) cell activation. They maintain NK cell tolerance through recognition of MHC class I molecules (HLA-A, -B, and -C) on the surface of normal cells in the body. KIR transduces inhibitory signals through the recruitment of SHP-1 and SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases. Since NK cell activation is controlled by a balance between activating and inhibitory receptors, the surface expression level of KIR is a key determinant of the NK cell activation potential. While a great deal of effort has been directed toward understanding the mechanism by which KIR transduces inhibitory signals, very little is known about the post-translational mechanisms regulating surface expression, endocytosis, and plasma membrane trafficking of these receptors. Improved understanding of the mechanisms regulating KIR surface trafficking and expression could provide novel therapeutic targets to promote NK cell activation toward tumors and virus infected cells by reducing the surface expression levels of KIR. We will define the molecular mechanisms regulating inhibitory KIR trafficking by addressing the following specific aims.
Aim 1 will assess the role of ligand in regulating surface expression of inhibitory KIR. Here we will test the hypothesis that ligand engagement impacts upon the membrane trafficking of inhibitory KIR.
Aim 2 will elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating endocytosis and degradation of inhibitory KIR. We hypothesize that certain molecular interactions control these pathways, and our experiments will test their impacts on surface receptor expression.
Aim 3 will examine the role of the b arrestin 2 adaptor protein on surface trafficking of inhibitory KIR. We hypothesize that this adaptor promotes surface expression of KIR and stabilizes interaction of the receptor with SHP-1 and SHP-2 phosphatases.

Public Health Relevance

Natural killer (NK) cells can attack tumors and virus-infected cells, and their activation state is controlled by a balance of signals from activating and inhibitory receptors. Inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) are key regulators on human NK cells that establish tolerance toward normal cells of the body, but surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms that maintain their surface expression. The studies proposed in this application will characterize the molecular regulation of KIR membrane trafficking to develop strategies for reducing their surface expression and thereby potentiating NK cell responses toward tumors and viruses.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA083859-12
Application #
8433503
Study Section
Innate Immunity and Inflammation Study Section (III)
Program Officer
Howcroft, Thomas K
Project Start
1999-12-01
Project End
2015-01-31
Budget Start
2013-02-01
Budget End
2014-01-31
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$286,114
Indirect Cost
$125,826
Name
Research Institute of Fox Chase Cancer Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
064367329
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19111
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