Work

Post-translational modification of NK cell receptors offers clues to antigenic specificity riddle

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells protect against infections through a distinctive combination of innate and adaptive immune capabilities. They exhibit characteristics of immunological memory by enhanced secondary response to pathogen exposure. We discuss current progress in identifying long-lived NK cell clones with enhanced memory functionality and the capacity for intensive cytokine and cytotoxic granule production upon re-encountering external antigens. We examine data related to how various NK cell receptors facilitate the recognition of specific foreign peptides in particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) contexts and may promote the formation of memory clones. Finally, we propose and substantiate a model that resolves the accumulated fundamental contradictions and explains the semi-antigen-specific nature of the NK cell response through the clonally imprinted expression patterns of enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of HLA-binding receptors.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1671844

Authors: Maria O. Ustiuzhanina, Elena I. Kovalenko, Dmitry M. Chudakov

Institutions: Russian Academy of Sciences, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center

Language: English

Topic: Immune Cell Function and Interaction

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801