NK cells constrain infection by cytomegalovirus. Romagnani and colleagues show that human NKG2C+ NK cells recognize distinct HCMV UL40 viral peptides, which can vary among viral isolates. NKG2C+ NK cells thereby demonstrate adaptive-like recognition that can discriminate between closely related viral strains.
- Quirin Hammer
- Timo Rückert
- Chiara Romagnani
