KIR-HLA ligand context

KIR receptors only act together with their HLA ligands. Genome derives the ligand groups (HLA-C1/C2, HLA-Bw4/Bw6) from the HLA class I typing and pairs them with the KIR genotype. This shows whether a matching ligand is present.

Why the context matters

An activating or inhibitory KIR stays functionless if the matching HLA ligand is absent. Only the combination of KIR genotype and HLA ligand gives the real response pattern of the NK cell. Certain constellations are linked to infection course, preeclampsia and the success of stem cell transplantation.

How Genome presents it

In the medical genomics report the ligand context appears after the HLA and KIR sections. It is derived, not directly measured, and is flagged as such. Discordances or missing ligands require review and do not replace immunological interpretation.

What Genome measures. The ligand groups from HLA*LA class I (C1 vs. C2 by position 80 of HLA-C, Bw4 vs. Bw6 at HLA-B) and their match against the present KIR genes. A context layer only, not a separate measurement.

Related topics

KIR genesHLA typing

Sources

  1. 1Pende et al., 2019 Killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs): their role in NK cell modulation and developments leading to their clinical exploitation. Frontiers in Immunology 10:1179. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01179
  2. 2Kulkarni, Martin & Carrington, 2008 The Yin and Yang of HLA and KIR in human disease. Seminars in Immunology 20:343–352. doi.org/10.1016/j.smim.2008.06.003