Regulation of NKG2D Expression and Signaling by Endocytosis

Publication date: Available online 22 September 2016
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Rosa Molfetta, Linda Quatrini, Beatrice Zitti, Cristina Capuano, Ricciarda Galandrini, Angela Santoni, Rossella Paolini
NKG2D is an activating receptor that can bind to a large number of stress-induced ligands that are expressed in the context of cancer or viral infection. This receptor is expressed on many cytotoxic lymphocytes, and plays a crucial role in antitumor and antiviral immune responses. However, exposure to NKG2D ligand-expressing target cells promotes receptor endocytosis, ultimately leading to lysosomal receptor degradation and impairment of NKG2D-mediated functions. Interestingly, before being degraded, internalized receptors can signal from the endosomal compartment, leading to the appropriate activation of cellular functional programs. This review summarizes recent findings on ligand-induced receptor internalization, with particular emphasis on the role of endocytosis in the control of both NKG2D-mediated intracellular signaling and receptor degradation.



http://ift.tt/2dXZSSq

http://ift.tt/2e5zjuf