Table 1

Key receptors for natural killer cells

FunctionFamilyReceptorLigand
ActivatingC-type lectin receptor

  • NKG2D

  • CD94:NKG2C

  • CD94:NKG2E

  • MIC-A/B, ULBPs

  • HLA-E

Natural cytotoxicity receptor

  • NKp30

  • NKp44

  • NKp46

  • BAT-3, B7-H6, CMV pp65

  • Viral haemagglutinin Viral haemagglutinin

Killer cell immunoglobulin receptor

  • 3DS1

  • HLA-Bw4

Others

  • CD16

  • IgG

  • Toll-like receptors

  • Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

InhibitoryKiller cell immunoglobulin receptor

  • 2DL1

  • 2DL2/3

  • Group 2 HLA-C

  • Group 1 HLA-C

C-type lectin receptor

  • CD94:NKG2A

  • HLA-E