Novel molecular motifs named Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibition Motifs (ITIMs) have recently been recognized in the intracytoplasmic domains of a still-increasing number of receptors which control cell activation and proliferation. Research on ITIM-bearing molecules has developed exponentially during the last three years, generating new concepts with important consequences in basic research and with exciting potential clinical applications. The present volume contains 15 reviews written by authors who all made significant contributions to the identification of ITIM-bearing molecules and the study of their biological properties. It constitutes the first synthesis ever published that is specifically devoted to this emerging topic.

List of Contents

Biology of Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibition Motif-Bearing Molecules
Negative Regulation of Hematopoietic Cell Activation and Proliferation by Fc?RIIB
The Role of the SRC Homology 2-Containing Inositol 5?-Phospatase in Fc?Rl-Induced Signaling
The Unexpected Complexity of Fc?RIIB Signal Transduction
Regulation of B Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling by the Lyn/CD22/SHP1 Pathway
HLA-Specific and Non-HLA-Specific Human NK Receptors
Regulation of NK Cell Functions Through Interaction of the CD94/NKG2 Receptors with the Nonclassical Class I Molecule HLA-E
Inhibitory Role of Murine Ly49 Lectin-like Receptors on Natural Killer Cells
gp49: An Ig-like Receptor with Inhibitory Properties on Mast Cells and Natural Killer Cells
A Novel Family of Inhibitory Receptors for HLA Class I Molecules That Modulate Function of Lymphoid and Myeloid Cells
Interactions of LIRs, a Family of Immunoreceptors Expressed in Myeloid and Lymphoid Cells, with Viral and Cellular MHC Class I Antigens
Paired Immunoglobulin-like Receptors of Activating and Inhibitory Types
LAIR-1, a Widely Distributed Human ITIM-Bearing Receptor on Hematopoietic Cells
The Mast Cell Function-Associated Antigen, a New Member of the ITIM Family
The Enigma of Activating Isoforms of ITIM-Bearing Molecules.