The function of the invariant chain in antigen presentation by MHC class II molecules.
The existence of different pathways of antigen presentation by class I and class II molecules raises two fundamental questions. (1) Why are class II, but not class I molecules, transported to the endosomal compartment where the exogenous antigen is met? (2) What are the mechanisms that prevent class II molecules from being occupied and blocked by endogenous peptides before they reach endosomes? These and other questions were discussed at the recent 7th International HLA/H-2 Workshop. In round table discussions particular attention was paid to the class-II-associated invariant chain, because it was considered that this molecule was a likely candidate to explain some of the differences of class I and class II molecules in antigen presentation.
Hämmerling
G J
GJ
Institute for Immunology and Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg.
Moreno
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D001692:Biological Transport; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D011487:Protein Conformation
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II