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MHC class I alleles and their exploration of the antigen‐processing machinery
Author(s) -
Groothuis Tom A. M.,
Griekspoor Alexander C.,
Neijssen Joost J.,
Herberts Carla A.,
Neefjes Jacques J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2005.00305.x
Subject(s) - antigen processing , antigen presentation , major histocompatibility complex , mhc class i , biology , transporter associated with antigen processing , antigen , mhc restriction , microbiology and biotechnology , immune system , genetics , t cell
Summary: At the cell surface, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules present fragments of intracellular antigens to the immune system. This is the end result of a cascade of events initiated by multiple steps of proteolysis. Only a small part of the fragments escapes degradation by interacting with the peptide transporter associated with antigen presentation and is translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen for binding to MHC class I molecules. Subsequently, these newly formed complexes can be transported to the plasma membrane for presentation. Every step in this process confers specificity and determines the ultimate result: presentation of only few fragments from a given antigen. Here, we introduce the players in the antigen processing and presentation cascade and describe their specificity and allelic variation. We highlight MHC class I alleles, which are not only different in sequence but also use different aspects of the antigen presentation pathway to their advantage: peptide acquaintance.