NKG2C is a major triggeri ng receptor involved in the Vd1 T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HIV-infected CD4 T cells

Results: The expression of C-type lectin NKG2 receptors was sharply modulated on gd T cells in patients with HIV infection. A profound decrease of Vd1 T cells bearing inhibitory NKG2A receptors corresponded to a drastic expansion of a distinct population of Vd1 T cells expressing a functional activating NKG2C receptor. Engagement of HLA-E, the ligand of both NKG2A and NKG2C, which is specifically induced on HIV-infected CD4 T cells, substantially enhanced the Vd1 T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.