Cord blood-derived natural killer cell surface receptors (CB-NK receptors)

Cord blood-derived natural killer (CB-NK) cell surface receptors and their ligands constitute a complex signaling network that regulates the innate immune response against malignancies and infections. These receptors include activating members like NKG2D and Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46), which recognize stress-induced ligands (e.g., MICA/B) on tumor cells, and inhibitory members like NKG2A and Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) that interact with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules (Source: Lanier, 2015, Nature Reviews Immunology). CB-NK cells are distinct from adult peripheral blood NK cells due to their higher expression of NKG2A and lower expression of KIRs, reflecting a more immature but highly proliferative state (Source: Sarvaria et al., 2017, British Journal of Cancer). This receptor-ligand axis is a primary focus for immunotherapy, where drugs like monalizumab block inhibitory signals, and CAR-NK technologies enhance specific targeting of tumor-associated antigens (Source: Liu et al., 2020, New England Journal of Medicine). The therapeutic potential of CB-NK cells lies in their ability to be used in allogeneic off-the-shelf products with a reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease compared to T-cell therapies. Modulation of these receptors aims to restore the balance between activating and inhibitory signals to promote effective tumor clearance.

Other names

Umbilical cord blood NK cell receptorsCB-NK activating receptorsCB-NK inhibitory receptorsCord blood NK cell surface molecules

Modulation of NK cell activity through the engagement of activating receptors or the blockade of inhibitory checkpoint receptors to induce lysis of target cells (Source: Vivier et al., 2012, Science).