Cross-presentation in viral immunity and self-tolerance.
T lymphocytes recognize peptide antigens presented by class I and class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Classical antigen-presentation studies showed that MHC class I molecules present peptides derived from proteins synthesized within the cell, whereas MHC class II molecules present exogenous proteins captured from the environment. Emerging evidence indicates, however, that dendritic cells have a specialized capacity to process exogenous antigens into the MHC class I pathway. This function, known as cross-presentation, provides the immune system with an important mechanism for generating immunity to viruses and tolerance to self.
Heath
W R
WR
Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. heath@wehi.edu.au
Carbone
F R
FR
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000378:metabolism; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D017634:Self Tolerance; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II