MHC and MHC-like molecules: structural perspectives on the design of molecular vaccines.
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules bind and present short antigenic peptide fragments on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs) to T cell receptors. Recognition of peptide-MHC complexes by T cells initiates a cascade of signals in T cells and activated cells either destroy or help to destroy the APC. The MHCs are divided into three subgroups: MHC class I, MHC class II and MHC class III. In addition, non-classical MHC molecules and MHC-like molecules play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the immune response. In the design of molecular vaccines for the treatment of diseases, an understanding of the three-dimensional structure of MHC, its interaction with peptide ligands, and its interaction with the T cell receptor are important prerequisites, all of which are discussed herein.
Apostolopoulos
Vasso
V
Burnet Institute at Austin, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia. vasso@burnet.edu.au
Yuriev
Elizabeth
E
Lazoura
Eliada
E
Yu
Minmin
M
Ramsland
Paul A
PA
D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*
D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic