KIR gene products are primarily expressed on which type of cells?

KIR gene products, or Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors, are primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. These receptors play a crucial role in the immune response by recognizing and binding to specific ligands on target cells, which can include infected or cancerous cells. The presence of KIR on NK cells allows them to regulate their activation and inhibition, thereby aiding in maintaining the balance between immune activation and tolerance.

In terms of function, KIRs contribute to the ability of NK cells to distinguish between healthy cells and those that are stressed or abnormal. This is essential for the immune surveillance against malignancies and viral infections.

Other cell types, such as macrophages, T cells, or B cells, do not typically express KIR gene products in the same capacity as NK cells. While T cells may have other receptors for immune signaling, they do not utilize KIRs for recognizing targets in the same way that NK cells do, which is why NK cells are the primary focus when discussing KIR expression.