The Regulation of Lymphocyte Ativation by Inhibitory Receptors

The function of leukocytes is regulated by the integration of positive and negative signals received through cell surface receptors. Inhibitory receptors can limit, terminate and/or attenuate immune responses, and maintain the homeostasis. There are three main identified groups of inhibitory receptors, including inhibitory MHC-recognized receptors, inhibitory Fc receptors and inhibitory receptors binding to B7 family members. Studies are beginning to reveal the categories, ligands, mechanisms and functions in diseases of these receptors. A better understanding of these inhibitory mechanisms will provide a foundation for therapeutically modulating these processes in antiviral immunity, anti-tumor responses and autoimmune diseases.