All the peptides that fit: the beginning, the middle, and the end of the MHC class I antigen-processing pathway.
The end result of the antigen-processing pathway is the display of peptide-bound major histocompatibility complex I (pMHC I) molecules. The pMHC I molecules are expressed on the cell surface where they can be surveyed by CD8(+) T cells for abnormal proteins. MHC I molecules present a large repertoire of peptides that fit perfectly in their binding grooves and represent the otherwise hidden intracellular contents. Many peptides originate as defective ribosomal products in the cytoplasm. In a stepwise manner, the antigen-processing pathway generates and protects the proteolytic intermediates until they yield the final peptides that can fit the MHC I in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Shastri
Nilabh
N
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Division of Immunology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. nshastri@socrates.berkeley.edu
Cardinaud
Sylvain
S
Schwab
Susan R
SR
Serwold
Thomas
T
Kunisawa
Jun
J
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D010455:Peptides