KIR and their HLA Class I ligands: Two more pieces towards completing the puzzle of chronic rejection and graft loss in kidney transplantation

Littera, Roberto;Piredda, Gianbenedetto;Argiolas, Davide;Lai, Sara;Congeddu, Elena;Ragatzu, Paola;Melis, Maurizio;Carta, Elisabetta;Michittu, Maria Benigna;Valentini, Donatella;Cappai, Luisella;Porcella, Rita;Alba, Francesco;Serra, Maria;Loi, Valentina;Maddi, Roberta;ORRU, SANDRO;LA NASA, GIORGIO;CAOCCI, GIOVANNI;Cusano, Roberto;Arras, Marcella;Frongia, Mauro;Pani, Antonello;CARCASSI, CARLO

2017-01-01

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Abstract

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, despite progress in surgical techniques and patient management, immunological rejection continues to have a negative impact on graft function and overall survival. Incompatibility between donors and recipients for human leukocyte antigens (HLA) of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) generates a series of complex cellular and humoral immune response mechanisms that are largely responsible for rejection and loss of graft function. Within this context, a growing amount of evidence shows that alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in the immune response mechanisms elicited by the allograft. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are prominent mediators of NK cell alloreactivity.