| abstract |
The present invention relates to agents and methods that are capable of augmenting NK-mediated killing of target cells by reducing inhibitory KIR signalling without reducing the binding of KIR to HLA-C. As described herein, transduction of negative signaling via KIR, 5 upon binding of KIR to its HLA class I ligand, can involve a ligand-binding induced, conforma- tional reorientation of the KIR molecules allowing interactions to form between adjacent KIRs in specific domains, leading to accelerated clustering. Methods and agents such as mono- clonal antibodies for reducing KIR-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity without reducing or blocking HLA-binding by, e.g., reducing or blocking dimerization of KIR, are provided. |