Inhibitory Receptor on Natural Killer (NK) Cell (iNKR)

Inhibitory receptors on natural killer (NK) cells are cell surface molecules that regulate NK cell activity, preventing the destruction of healthy host cells while allowing for the elimination of virally infected or transformed cells. Key families include killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), CD94/NKG2A, and immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILT). These receptors primarily recognize MHC class I molecules on healthy cells, transmitting an inhibitory signal via ITIMs and phosphatases like SHP-1/2. Dysregulation of these receptors can contribute to immune evasion, while therapeutic strategies aim to enhance anti-tumor immunity by blocking specific inhibitory checkpoints.

Other names

Inhibitory NK Cell ReceptorNK Cell Inhibitory ReceptorNatural Killer Cell Inhibitory Receptor

Inhibition of NK cell activation through ITIM signaling and recruitment of phosphatases (SHP-1, SHP-2)