The multiple roles of major histocompatibility complex class-I-like molecules in mucosal immune function.
The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6 encodes three classical class-I genes: human leukocyte antigens (HLA) A, B, and C. These polymorphic genes encode a 43- to 45-kDa cell surface glycoprotein that, in association with the 12-kDa beta2-microglobulin molecule, functions in the presentation of nine amino acid peptides to the T-cell receptor of CD8-bearing T lymphocytes and killer inhibitory receptors on natural killer cells. In addition to these ubiquitously expressed, polymorphic proteins, the human genome also encodes several nonclassical MHC class-I-like, or class Ib, genes that, in general, encode nonpolymorphic molecules involved in various specific immunological functions. Many of these genes, including CD1, the neonatal Fc receptor for IgG, HLA-G, HLA-E, the MHC class-I chain-related gene A, and Hfe, are prominently displayed on epithelial cells, suggesting an important role in epithelial cell biology.
Blumberg
R S
RS
Gastroenterology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. rblumberg@partners.org
van de Wal
Y
Y
Claypool
S
S
Corazza
N
N
Dickinson
B
B
Nieuwenhuis
E
E
Pitman
R
R
Spiekermann
G
G
Zhu
X
X
Colgan
S
S
Lencer
W I
WI
D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002896:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 / Q000235:genetics; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000235:genetics*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000235:genetics*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000276:immunology
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D006680:HLA Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D054340:Receptors, KIR; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin