Role of Polymorphisms of NKG2D Receptor and Its Ligands in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Human Stem Cell Transplantation

Natural killer cells possess key regulatory function in various malignant diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia. NK cell activity is driven by signals received through ligands binding activating or inhibitory receptors. Their towards elimination of transformed virally infected can be mediated MICA, MICB and ULBP the receptor NKG2D. Given efficiency cells, potential target developed multiple protecting mechanisms to overcome killing on levels biogenesis NKG2D ligands. Targeted degrade ligand transcripts via microRNAs modify them at protein level prevent their presence surface shedding, with added benefit shed desensitize avert threat destruction cells. are also indispensable during hematopoietic stem transplantation, crucial treatment option for patients disease, Function both its strongly affected polymorphisms particular allelic variants, as different alleles play variable roles ligand-receptor interaction, influencing HSCT outcome differently. For example, role amino acid exchange position 129 MICA 98 , well other leading shedding ligands, was described. Finally, match mismatch between patient donor affect outcome. Having information beyond standard HLA typing prior could instrumental find best optimize effects more precise patient-donor match. Here, we review recent research NKG2D/NKG2D biology, regulation, description across populations AML influence