title: The major histocompatibility complex-encoded HFE in iron homeostasis and immune function.
abstract: HFE is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule that complexes with a beta2-microglobulin. A functional link between HFE and iron metabolism has been established by the discovery of a physical association between HFE and the transferrin receptor. By inhibiting transferrin receptor internalization, HFE functions as a negative modulator of transferrin receptor function. In addition, HFE appears to be an iron sensor that directly or indirectly communicates the body's iron status to T cells, which then use cytokines as feedback modulators to achieve iron homeostasis. A working model for the feedback regulatory mechanism between iron metabolism and immune function is proposed.
authors.affiliation: The RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Salter-Cid
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005246:Feedback; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000235:genetics; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; C103673:HFE protein, human; D006680:HLA Antigens; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D007501:Iron