Distribution of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes in Thai Blood Donors
Chutima Tammakorn BSc*, Tasanee Mongkolsuk MSc*, Duangtawan Thammanichanond MD*, Samart Pakakasama MD**, Pimpun Kitpoka MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIRs) are members of a group of molecules expressed on the
surfaces of natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells. KIRs recognize MHC class I molecules on target cells. The interaction
of these molecules regulates NK cell reactivity. The KIR gene cluster is highly polymorphic in individuals and different
populations.
Objective : Determine the frequencies and diversities of KIR genes among the Thai population.
Results : Seventeen KIR genes and common subtypes were identified in 500 healthy Thai blood donors by PCR-SSP. The
framework genes KIR2DL4, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, and KIR3DP1 were present in all individuals (100%). The observed
frequencies of KIR genes vary in the presented population. The most frequent non-framework KIR gene was KIR2DL1
(98.4%) while the least frequent was KIR2DL5B (24.2%).
Conclusion : It was observed that the Thai population shows polymorphism of the KIR genes and the diversities of KIR genes
in Thai differed from other populations. These data might be of benefit to future studies of the KIR gene and its association with
diseases.
Keywords : KIR genes, PCR-SSP, Thai blood donors, Framework genes, Polymorphism
