Structures of two classes of MHC molecules elucidated: crucial differences and similarities.
New structures of MHC molecules have significantly improved our understanding of molecular recognition in cellular immunology. Highlights include the first structure of a class II MHC molecule, complexed with a viral peptide and with a bacterial superantigen. A structure of an MHC-like Fc receptor is expected soon. Interesting comparisons can now be made between the recognition properties of MHC and MHC-like proteins.
Bjorkman
P J
PJ
Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125.
Burmeister
W P
WP
D000818:Animals; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000737:chemistry; D018089:Superantigens / Q000378:metabolism
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D010455:Peptides; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D018089:Superantigens