Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) analysis

NK cell activity is controlled by several families of NK cell receptors, activating an inhibitory, as well as modulating coreceptors. In humans, CD94/NKG2A receptor and the variable killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) recognizing HLA I molecules on target cells are common inhibitory receptors. Although the research is still ongoing, it is clear that the study of KIRs yields great hopes for the advancement of NK cell immunotherapy in the context not only of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but also in the treatment of other solid tumors. 

KIR typing from genotype to phenotype

A cell genotype doesn’t necessarily reflect its phenotype, KIRs are no exception. Get the KIR-specific antibodies you need for KIR phenotyping from Miltenyi Biotec. We’ve assembled the broadest portfolio of KIR-specific antibodies available. 
 

KIR cross reactivity

Flow cytometric assessment of KIR⁺ NK cell populations is an important technique in NK cell research. However, due to high sequence homology between KIRs, antibody crossreactivity can pose as a major obstacle for the unambiguous identification of KIR surface expression on NK cells. To shed light upon antibody cross-reactivity, we tested different KIR antibodies for their capacity to stain Jurkat cell lines transduced with various types of KIR.

Additionally, you can complement your NK cell phenotyping by flow cytometry with profiling of human KIR genes at the genomic DNA or mRNA level using the KIR Typing Kit. The KIR Typing Kit allows the detection of all known human KIR genes and alleles at the genomic DNA and mRNA level.