HLA E

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HLA-E is one of a family of molecules known as MHC class 1B. It has a very specialized role in cell recognition by NK cells (Natural Killer). HLA-E binds to peptides derived from the leader sequence of other HLA class 1a molecules, such as HLA-A, B, C. NK cells then bind to this molecules using the receptor CD94/NKG2A. When CD94/NKG2A is stimlated in this way it produces an inhibotory effect on the cytotoxic activity of the NK cell to prevent cell lysis