KIR-Ready Gene

The KIR-Ready Gene kit is intended for molecular genetic detection and genotyping of KIR (Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors) genes, which are expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and play a key role in the regulation of immune responses.

 

NK cells use KIR receptors to recognize pathologically altered cells, including tumor or infected cells. The decision to lyse a target cell is determined by the balance between activating and inhibitory KIR signals. Inhibitory KIR receptors interact with MHC class I molecules, primarily HLA-C proteins.

 

The test enables detection of all known KIR genes, including activating, inhibitory, and pseudogenes, and allows discrimination of clinically relevant allelic variants, including:

• KIR2DL4 — major alleles (*001–*006) and deletion alleles (*007–*009);

• KIR2DL5 — expressed alleles (2DL5A*001, 005, 012, 2DL5003) and non-expressed alleles (2DL5B002, *004, *006–013);

• KIR2DS4 — full-length alleles (*001, *002) and deletion alleles (*003, *004, *006);

• KIR3DP1 pseudogene — polymorphisms associated with the presence or absence of the KIR2DL1 gene.

 

Combinations of KIR and MHC class I variants have a significant impact on outcomes of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation (graft-versus-leukemia effect, GvL), the development of autoimmune diseases, the course of viral infections, as well as pregnancy and reproductive processes.

 

KIR genotyping is applied in transplantation medicine, immunology, and reproductive medicine, including assessment of transplant rejection risks, autoimmune and viral diseases, and evaluation of couples with unexplained infertility. Data indicate that both female and male KIR genotypes may influence IVF success rates and miscarriage risk.