Cutting edge: KIR2DL4 transduces signals into human NK cells through association with the Fc receptor gamma protein.

KIR2DL4 (2DL4, CD158d), a member of the human killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) family, triggers potent IFN-gamma responses but weak cytotoxicity in resting NK cells. 2DL4 mRNA has been detected in most NK cell clones from most humans examined, but surface protein expression is detectable only on CD56(high) NK cells from certain donors. The receptor possesses a transmembrane arginine residue, suggesting association with a signaling accessory protein that has remained elusive. We provide biochemical and functional evidence that FcepsilonRI-gamma (gamma) associates with 2DL4 to promote surface expression and provide signal transducing function. Weak cytolytic responses triggered through 2DL4 may result from low stoichiometric association with gamma. Selective association with gamma distinguishes 2DL4 from all other activating forms of the KIR family, which alternatively associate with DNAX-activating protein (DAP)12.