About this Research Topic

Background

The killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRs), and HLA proteins are encoded by closely related gene families that are essential for the control of the immune response. Found on chromosome 6, HLA genes produce proteins that T cells use to detect foreign antigens, triggering the adaptive immune response. Natural killer (NK) cells express KIR genes, found on chromosome 19, which code for receptors that interact with HLA class I molecules to control NK cell function. The chromosome 19 region also contains the LILR genes, which code for receptors found on a variety of immune cells and are involved in detecting and removing infections and tumor cells.

Susceptibility to or protection from autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers has been linked to variations in the HLA genes, and matching these genes is key for maximizing transplant outcomes. KIR variation has similarly been linked to graft-versus-host disease, transplant rejection, and the etiology of these illnesses. LILRs are also key for understanding the pathophysiology of autoimmune illnesses, infectious diseases, and cancers.

The genetics, structure, and function of these three gene families have received a great deal of attention because of their crucial involvement in the immune response. In this topic we aim to highlight the current studies on the genetic variety of the HLA, KIR, and LILR genes, their molecular interactions, and the signaling pathways they are involved in are essential for understanding the full spectrum of the immune response. The advent of new technologies like next-generation sequencing and single-cell analysis, has allowed researchers to conduct a more thorough investigation of these gene families and their roles in disease.

For the creation of novel treatments for a variety of immune-related illnesses, it is crucial to understand the processes through which the HLA, KIR, and LILR genes contribute to immune control. While KIR-based medicines are being investigated for the treatment of autoimmune illnesses and transplant rejection, medications that target HLA molecules may be helpful in the treatment of cancers. Infectious disease and cancer therapies may both benefit from targeting LILR receptors. The genetics and function of the HLA, KIR, and LILR genes and their products will therefore likely continue to be a focus of research for many years to come. Routine, integrated study of these systems could represent the dawn of a new era for immune medicine.

This Frontiers in Immunology Research Topic is intended to showcase new and ongoing research that advances our understanding of the following subtopics:

• The roles played by the HLA, KIR and LILR genes in human health and their therapeutic applications.
• To underscore the need for the integrated analysis of these genes for advancing understanding of the immune system.

Manuscripts and reviews on these and related topics are welcomed.

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• Brief Research Report
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• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: HLA, KIR, LILR, human, vertebrates, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, Immune Polymorphisms

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