NK-Cell Markers

Natural Killer cells (NK cells) are cytotoxic effector cells, that carry out surveillance and self defense functions while detecting and destroying hazardous targets like autologous tumor cells and pathogen-infected cells. Research in this area during the last years has identified a couple of proteins that may prove useful as markers for NK cells.

KIR

KIR (Killer cell Immunoglobulin (Ig)-like Receptor) designate a family of surface proteins, that are expressed on NK cells and some T-cells. The subgroup of the KIR2D family (2D =  2 Ig-domains) amongst others has the following members: KIR2DL1 (CD158a), KIR2DL3 (CD158b), KIR2DL4 (CD158d) and KIR2DS4 (p50.3).

LAIR

LAIR-1 is member of the family of Leukocyte-associated Ig like Receptors. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein, that is expressed on f.e. T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. The Activation and crosslinking of LAIR-1 molecules on NK-cells results in strong inhibition of NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity.

NCR (NKp’s)

The family of Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCR) is comprised of Ig-like receptors, that play an important role in activation of NK-cells in conjunction with tumor cell defense. NKp30, the Natural Cytotoxicity triggering Receptor 3 (NCR3) f.e., cooperates with NKp46 and NKp44 in inducing cytotoxicity against a multitude of target cells and is selectively expressed by all NK-cells. Therefore NKp30 is an optimal marker for identification of NK-cells.

Antibodies and Proteins

The table below shows proteins and antibodies for use as NK-cell markers. Some antibodies are available in different conjugated formats, which makes them suitable for varying methods.

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