NATURAL-KILLER-CELL RECEPTORS

In the past year, significant strides have been made in understanding natural killing, the process whereby natural killer cells lyse target cells. Recognition of susceptible targets' and activation now appear t o be mediated by a natural killer cell receptor that binds carbohydrat e determinants on target cells and initiates target lysis. Conversely, receptors have been identified that bind MHC class I molecules on tar gets that inhibit natural killer cell activation. These findings provi de the basis for understanding the molecular processes in the initial steps of natural killing.