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Functions of NKG2D in CD8+ T cells: an opportunity for immunotherapy

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 15, pages 470–479 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) is a type II transmembrane receptor. NKG2D is present on NK cells in both mice and humans, whereas it is constitutively expressed on CD8+ T cells in humans but only expressed upon T-cell activation in mice. NKG2D is a promiscuous receptor that recognizes stress-induced surface ligands. In NK cells, NKG2D signaling is sufficient to unleash the killing response; in CD8+ T cells, this requires concurrent activation of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In this case, the function of NKG2D is to authenticate the recognition of a stressed target and enhance TCR signaling. CD28 has been established as an archetype provider of costimulation during T-cell priming. It has become apparent, however, that signals from other costimulatory receptors, such as NKG2D, are required for optimal T-cell function outside the priming phase. This review will focus on the similarities and differences between NKG2D and CD28; less well-described characteristics of NKG2D, such as the potential role of NKG2D in CD8+ T-cell memory formation, cancer immunity and autoimmunity; and the opportunities for targeting NKG2D in immunotherapy.

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  1. Loyola University Chicago, Oncology Institute, 60153, Maywood, IL, USA

    Kushal Prajapati, Cynthia Perez, Lourdes Beatriz Plaza Rojas, Brianna Burke & Jose A Guevara-Patino

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Prajapati, K., Perez, C., Rojas, L.B. et al. Functions of NKG2D in CD8+ T cells: an opportunity for immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 15, 470–479 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2017.161

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