Discovery of two novel variants of KIR2DS5 reveals this gene to be a common component of human KIR 'B' haplotypes

Tissue Antigens. 2000 Nov;56(5):453-6. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-0039.2000.560510.x.

Abstract

The gene encoding the non-inhibitory receptor KIR2DS5 has so far been represented by a single cDNA sequence, NKAT9. A previous study by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) failed to detect NKAT9 in genomic DNA of 52 donors, which suggested that KIR2DS5 could be a rare gene. Here, we have characterized two novel variants of KIR2DS5 that differ from NKAT9 by 8 and 10 nucleotide substitutions. The frequency of KIR2DS5 was then re-assessed by PCR-SSP using primers specific for conserved sequences of all three known KIR2DS5 variants. We found KIR2DS5 is not a rare gene, but one present in 26% of 34 donors representing the major ethnic groups. Like other non-inhibitory KIR, the distribution of KIR2DS5 is restricted to the 'B' subset of KIR-gene haplotypes. Transcription of the KIR2DS5 gene was studied by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR in natural killer (NK) cells from one donor and shown to follow the clonal distribution seen for most other KIR genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Variation*
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / classification
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Receptors, KIR

Substances

  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, KIR