Identification of PVR (CD155) and Nectin-2 (CD112) as Cell Surface Ligands for the Human DNAM-1 (CD226) Activating Molecule

Human natural killer (NK) cells express a series of activating receptors and coreceptors that are involved in recognition and killing of target cells. In this study, in an attempt to identify the cellular ligands for such triggering surface molecules, mice were immunized with NK-susceptible target cells. On the basis of a functional screening, four mAbs were selected that induced a partial down-regulation of the NK-mediated cytotoxicity against the immunizing target cells. As revealed by biochemical analysis, three of such mAbs recognized molecules of approximately 70 kD. The other mAb reacted with two distinct molecules of approximately 65 and 60 kD, respectively. Protein purification followed by tryptic…

• CD
  Compagnia di San Paolo
• IN
  Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale
• IS
  Istituto Superiore di Sanità
• CN
  Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
• AI
  Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro
• FI
  Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro