Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) regulate the activation of
natural killer cells through their interaction with human leucocyte antigens
(HLA). KIR and HLA loci are highly polymorphic, and certain
KIR/HLA combinations have been found to protect against viral infections
or to predispose to autoimmune disorders. In particular, some
activating KIR profiles may be detrimental in autoimmune pathogenesis,
and specific KIR genes may be particularly aggressive in the clearance
of different microorganisms, protecting individuals in the control of a
given pathogen. Here we reviewed a growing body of evidence purporting
the influence of KIR polymorphism and KIR-HLA interaction in the
development of the main human autoimmune and viral diseases