NK and CTL recognition of a single chain H-2D(d) molecule: Distinct sites of H-2D(d) interact with NK and TCR

We generated transgenic mice expressing a single-chain beta(2)-microglobuli n (beta(2)m)-H-2D(d), The cell-surface beta(2)m-H-2D(d) molecule was expres sed on a beta(2)m-deficient background and reacted with appropriate mAbs, I t was of the expected m.w, and directed the normal development of CD8(+) T cells in the thymus of a broad TCR repertoire, It also presented both exoge nously provided and endogenous peptide Ags to effector CD8(+) T cells, In t ests of NK cell education and function, it failed to reveal any interaction with NK cells, suggesting that the site of the interaction of NK receptors with H-2D(d) was disrupted, Thus, the sites of TCR and NK receptor interac tion with H-2D(d) are distinct, an observation consistent with independent modes of TCR and NK receptor evolution and function.