Evans, DavidSchafer, Jamie L.2014-06-062014-06-062014Schafer, Jamie Lynn. 2014. Rhesus macaque KIR recognition of MHC class I molecules: Ligand identification and modulation of interaction by SIV peptides. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University.http://dissertations.umi.com/gsas.harvard:11683http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:12274520Natural killer (NK) cells can kill virus-infected cells without prior antigenic exposure, and are therefore important for controlling viral replication prior to the onset of adaptive immune responses. Primate NK cells express activating and inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The importance of KIR interactions with MHC class I in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis is demonstrated by the association of select KIR and MHC class I genotypes with delayed progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).en-USVirologyImmunologyKIRMHC class INK cellRhesus macaqueSIVThesis or Dissertation2015-06-04