title: Measuring synthesis and degradation of MHC class I molecules.
abstract: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules function to present pathogen-derived peptides to cytotoxic T cells or act as ligands for Natural Killer cells, thus alerting the immune system to the presence of invading pathogens. Furthermore MHC class I molecules can be strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. Therefore understanding not only the biosynthesis and the degradation pathways of MHC class I molecules has become important in determining their role in pathogen and autoimmune-related diseases. Here we describe how using epitope-tagged MHC class I molecules can aid in the analysis of MHC class I molecule biosynthesis and degradation and also complement studies using conventional conformationally specific antibodies. Coupled together with pharmacological manipulation which can target both biosynthetic and degradative pathways, this offers a powerful tool in analyzing MHC class I molecules.
authors: School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK.
authors: David B
authors: DB
authors: Guiliano
authors: Division of Infection and Immunity/Centre of Rheumatology, Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, London, UK. anthony.antoniou@ucl.ac.uk.
authors: Antony N
authors: AN
authors: Antoniou
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006367:HeLa Cells; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D047468:Immunoprecipitation; D059748:Proteolysis / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I