Leukocyte receptor complex-encoded immunomodulatory receptors show differing specificity for alternative HLA-B27 structures.

We studied recognition of the disease-associated HLA-B27 allele by immunomodulatory receptors encoded within the leukocyte receptor complex. HLA class I are ligands for members of the killer Ig receptor (KIR) and Ig-like transcript (ILT)/LIR/LILR families (the new LILR nomenclature is described at www. gene.ucl.ac.uk/nomenclature/genefamily/lilr.html). Members of these families bound HLA-B27 in both classical and beta(2) microglobulin-independent forms. Classical complexes bound ILT2, ILT4, and LIR6 transfectants but not ILT1, ILT3, or ILT5. A free H chain form of HLA-B27 bound ILT4 and LIR6. Both forms of HLA-B27 bound KIR3DL1 transfectants. HLA-B27 free H chain bound CD14(+) cells in PBL from healthy controls, consistent with ILT4 expression on monocytes. Alternative recognition of different forms of HLA-B27 by KIR or ILT could influence their immunomodulatory function and may imply a role in inflammatory disease.