Conformational constraints involved in MHC class I restricted antigen presentation.
The realization that class I-restricted antigen presentation can be mimicked using synthetic peptides and the description of the class I three-dimensional structure has provided a basis with which to study the conformational constraints associated with cytotoxic T cell (CTL) recognition. Recent experiments have suggested that antigenic fragments can bind to class I molecules in extended conformations. This binding is dependent on the presence of predominant motif arrangements in the peptides which are likely to correspond to specific subsites within the class I binding cleft. Changes within this cleft can affect T cell receptor recognition by inhibiting peptide binding or by altering the conformation of the presented peptide. These changes can result in dramatic modifications in peripheral T cell recognition and in the thymic development of the T cells themselves. Consequently, class I molecules apparently control the T cell response via their effect on the binding and conformation of the presented peptide determinants.
Carbone
F R
FR
Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, Department of Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037.
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I