HIV Protective KIR/HLA Genotypes Influence NK Cell Mediated Inhibition of HIV Replication in Autologous CD4 T Cells via CC-chemokine Secretion

Background: Carriage of the genetic combination encoding high expression Natural Killer (NK) cell inhibitory Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR)3DL1 with their ligand HLA-B*57 (*h/*y + B*57) has the strongest effect on slowing time to AIDS and HIV viral load control compared to Bw6 homozygotes (Bw6hmz). NK cell education, which requires inhibitory NK receptor engagement and the integration of signals from NK receptors binding their ligands on target cells determines NK cell anti-viral functional potency. We questioned whether NK cells from *h/*y + B*57 carriers inhibited HIV replication more potently than those from Bw6hmz, as do those from carriers of another HIV protective genotype, i.e. 3DS1 + *80I.