CD160 is a GPI-anchored MHC-class I activating receptor mainly expressed on peripheral blood NK cells. It is also expressed on both cytolytic lymphocytes and some unstimulated CD4 T cells []. CD160 has different isoforms, including GPI-anchored isoform, a transmembrane isoform, and a secreted isoform. Upon specific engagement of CD160 by its physiological ligand HLA-C, or by mAb cross-linking, CD160 PB-NK cells produce significant levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6 as well as IL-8 and MIP-1beta [].
