Membrane specializations and endosome maturation in dendritic cells and B cells

• Published in: Trends in cell biology Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 175 - 183
• Main Authors: Boes, Marianne, Cuvillier, Armelle, Ploegh, Hidde
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2004
• Subjects: Animals; Antigen Presentation - immunology; B-Lymphocytes - cytology; B-Lymphocytes - immunology; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Dendritic Cells - cytology; Dendritic Cells - immunology; Endosomes - metabolism; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II - immunology; Humans; Peptides - metabolism; Protein Transport - immunology; Protein Transport - physiology
• ISSN: 0962-8924; 1879-3088
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2004.02.004

Interest in the cell biology of antigen presentation is centered on dendritic cells (DCs) as initiators of the immune response. The ability to examine primary antigen-presenting cells, as opposed to cell lines, has opened a new window for study of antigen processing and peptide acquisition by Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products, especially where intracellular trafficking of peptide–Class-II complexes is concerned. Here, we review the dynamics of Class II MHC-positive intracellular structures in dendritic cells as well as B cells. We focus on the generation of multivesicular bodies, where Class II MHC products acquire antigenic peptide, on the endosomal transport of peptide-loaded Class II MHC to the cell surface and on the importance of Class II MHC localization in membrane microdomains.