title: Structure of the human class I histocompatibility antigen, HLA-A2.
abstract: The class I histocompatibility antigen from human cell membranes has two structural motifs: the membrane-proximal end of the glycoprotein contains two domains with immunoglobulin-folds that are paired in a novel manner, and the region distal from the membrane is a platform of eight antiparallel beta-strands topped by alpha-helices. A large groove between the alpha-helices provides a binding site for processed foreign antigens. An unknown 'antigen' is found in this site in crystals of purified HLA-A2.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bjorkman
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Saper
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Samraoui
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Strominger
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Wiley
mesh_terms: D000941:Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D001665:Binding Sites; D003196:Computer Graphics; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D015789:HLA-A2 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006680:HLA Antigens; D015789:HLA-A2 Antigen; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin