Klrb1f is a gene encoding one of the NK cell receptors. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial in the immune response, and Klrb1f likely plays a role in the functions of these cells, though specific pathways and its exact function remain to be fully elucidated. Genetic models, such as mouse models, can be valuable tools in studying Klrb1f [1,2].

In the context of blood-stage malaria of Plasmodium chabaudi, vaccination affects the expression of Klrb1f. Blood-stage malaria induces the expression of Klrb1f in the liver, and vaccination enhances this malaria-induced expression. The interaction between KLRB1F (the protein encoded by Klrb1f) and its potential ligand CLEC2I between NK cells and erythroid cells facilitates extramedullary erythroblastosis in the liver. This interaction critically contributes to vaccination-induced survival from otherwise lethal blood-stage malaria [1]. In addition, in regulatory and helper T cells, analysis of expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) suggested possible candidate genes that may regulate the expression of Klrb1f [2].

In conclusion, Klrb1f is involved in the immune-related processes, especially in the context of malaria and T cell regulation. Studies on Klrb1f using genetic models have revealed its significance in vaccination-mediated survival against malaria and in the regulatory mechanisms of T cells, providing insights into disease-related immune responses.

References:

1. Araúzo-Bravo, Marcos J, Delic, Denis, Gerovska, Daniela, Wunderlich, Frank. 2020. Protective Vaccination Reshapes Hepatic Response to Blood-Stage Malaria of Genes Preferentially Expressed by NK Cells. In Vaccines, 8, . doi:10.3390/vaccines8040677. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33202767/

2. Alberts, Rudi, Chen, Hairong, Pommerenke, Claudia, Bruder, Dunja, Schughart, Klaus. 2011. Expression QTL mapping in regulatory and helper T cells from the BXD family of strains reveals novel cell-specific genes, gene-gene interactions and candidate genes for auto-immune disease. In BMC genomics, 12, 610. doi:10.1186/1471-2164-12-610. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22182475/