MHC class Ib molecules bridge innate and acquired immunity.
Our understanding of the classical MHC class I molecules (MHC class Ia molecules) has long focused on their extreme polymorphism. These molecules present peptides to T cells and are central to discrimination between self and non-self. By contrast, the functions of the non-polymorphic MHC class I molecules (MHC class Ib molecules) have been elusive, but emerging evidence reveals that, in addition to antigen presentation, MHC class Ib molecules are involved in immunoregulation. As we discuss here, the subset of MHC class Ib molecules that presents peptides to T cells bridges innate and acquired immunity, and this provides insights into the origins of acquired immunity.
Rodgers
John R
JR
Department of Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. jrodgers@bcm.tmc.edu
Cook
Richard G
RG
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D010802:Phylogeny; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals / Q000235:genetics; D000097625:HLA-E Antigens
D006680:HLA Antigens; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010455:Peptides; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D000097625:HLA-E Antigens; C078177:H2-M3 antigen; C032907:Q surface antigens; C090580:Qdm protein, mouse