Mechanisms of NK cell recognition of SIV-infected CD4+ T cells

• Applicant: Dr. Henoch Sangjoon Hong
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2010 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 182848482

NK cells recognize virus-infected cells by integrating the sum of signals transduced by activating and inhibitory NK receptors. NKG2D is a well-described activating receptor. Previous studies examining recognition of HIV-infected CD4+ T cells have implicated modulation of NKG2D ligands by HIV proteins. In addition, modulation of inhibitory pathways has also been reported. However, while NK cells have been previously reported to recognize SIV-infected cells, virtually nothing is known about the specific mechanisms responsible for this interaction. We will examine recognition of autologous SIV-infected CD4+ T cells by macaque NK cells to determine the relative contributions of MHC class I downregulation and NKG2D ligand upregulation, and the specific SIV proteins that mediate these effects.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. R. Paul Johnson