Distinct MHC class I–dependent NK cell–activating receptors control cytomegalovirus infection in different mouse strains

Recognition of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-infected cells by activating NK cell receptors was first described in the context of Ly49H, which confers resistance to C57BL/6 mice. We investigated the ability of other activating Ly49 receptors to recognize MCMV-infected cells in mice from various H-2 backgrounds. We observed that Ly49P1 from NOD/Ltj mice, Ly49L from BALB mice, and Ly49D2 from PWK/Pas mice respond to MCMV-infected cells in the context of H-2D(k) and the viral protein m04/gp34. Recognition was also seen in the H-2(d) and/or H-2(f) contexts, depending on the Ly49 receptor examined, but never in H-2(b). Furthermore, BALB.K (H-2(k)) mice showed reduced viral loads compared with their H-2(d) or H-2(b) congenic partners, a reduction which was dependent on interferon γ secretion by Ly49L(+) NK cells early after infection. Adoptive transfer of Ly49L(+), but not Ly49L(-), NK cells significantly increased resistance against MCMV infection in neonate BALB.K mice. These results suggest that multiple activating Ly49 receptors participate in H-2-dependent recognition of MCMV infection, providing a common mechanism of NK cell-mediated resistance against viral infection.