MHC class I assembly: out and about

• Published in: Immunology today (Amsterdam. Regular ed.) Vol. 29; no. 9; pp. 436 - 443
• Main Authors: Raghavan, Malini, Del Cid, Natasha, Rizvi, Syed Monem, Peters, Larry Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2008; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Animals; Antigen Presentation - immunology; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters - immunology; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters - metabolism; Cross-Priming - immunology; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - immunology; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - metabolism; Humans; Leucyl Aminopeptidase - immunology; Leucyl Aminopeptidase - metabolism; Lymphocytes; Membrane Transport Proteins - immunology; Membrane Transport Proteins - metabolism; Membranes; Models, Immunological; Peptides; Peptides - immunology; Peptides - metabolism; Proteins; Viruses; Women
• ISSN: 1471-4906; 0167-5699; 1471-4981
• DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2008.06.004

The assembly of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules with peptides is orchestrated by several assembly factors including the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and tapasin, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxido-reductases ERp57 and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), the lectin chaperones calnexin and calreticulin, and the ER aminopeptidase (ERAAP). Typically, MHC class I molecules present endogenous antigens to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, the initiation of CD8+ T-cell responses against many pathogens and tumors also requires the presentation of exogenous antigens by MHC class I molecules. We discuss recent developments relating to interactions and mechanisms of function of the various assembly factors and pathways by which exogenous antigens access MHC class I molecules.