The present invention relates to agents and methods that are capable of
augmenting NK-mediated killing of target cells by reducing inhibitory KIR
signalling without reducing the binding of KIR to HLA-C. As described
herein, transduction of negative signaling via KIR, upon binding of KIR
to its HLA class I ligand, can involve a ligand-binding induced,
conformational reorientation of the KIR molecules allowing interactions
to form between adjacent KIRs in specific domains, leading to accelerated
clustering. Methods and agents such as monoclonal antibodies for reducing
KIR-mediated inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity without reducing or
blocking HLA-binding by, e.g., reducing or blocking dimerization of KIR,
are provided.