Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: to review the function and genetics of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and studies of KIR genetic associations with uveitis.

Methods: Review of published studies.

Results: KIRs are receptors on NK and some T cells. They may inhibit or activate cellular function, such as cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Studies have been published examining KIR gene associations with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, and HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and axial spondyloarthropathy. Evidence for increased activating and/or less inhibitory KIR and HLA gene combinations was found for BCR and VKH disease. In HLA-B27-associated disease, a trend toward decreased activation and stronger inhibition was found, except for the weakly inhibitory 3DL1 and Bw4(T80) combination. This latter combination was also found to confer risk in BCR.

Conclusions: KIR genetics are complex, as are the functions of KIR-bearing cells. Nonetheless, evidence for KIRs in the pathogenesis of uveitis has been found.