Molecular basis of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) recognition by inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs)

Human beings are always exposed to microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in the environment around themselves. Often the news reports about infection of individuals by various types of microorganisms, leading to diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, etc. However, it is unclear how our body fights against them. Human immunity is the major topic of this thesis. This PhD examines how particular cells known as Natural Killer cells and human leukocyte antigen molecules can cooperate with each other in order to detect and remove viruses from the body.