Presentation of viral antigen controlled by a gene in the major histocompatibility complex
Article Abstract:
For antigens to be recognized by T cells, they must be presented in association with major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens, so that an immune response can be initiated. A B lymphocyte cell line, known as LBL 721.174, which has been mutated (changed genetically), is defective in that it cannot assemble or express class I MHC molecules on the cell surface. These cells were examined for defects in antigen presentation. The study showed that the cells could no longer present a viral antigen that is normally found inside of the virus which causes influenza, yet they could present a peptide that is normally found outside of the cell. Cells that expressed the class I antigens and cells that do not express the class I antigens were fused together and the characteristics of the progeny cells and the genes that were inherited by the progeny were studied. It was shown that the defect in antigen presentation was located on chromosome 6, where the MHC antigens are located. The gene involved in antigen presentation is different from the genes that code for the MHC antigens. The understanding of how antigen presentation occurs and the role of the molecules involved in the initiation of an immune response will allow further understanding and perhaps manipulation of the immune response so that an effective immune response may be induced against various foreign molecules, including viruses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Truncation variants of peptides isolated from MHC class II molecules suggest sequence motifs
Article Abstract:
Extension of major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II-associated peptide genetic sequences indicates that some amino-acid residues are found at particular locations in the sequence of peptides that attach to MHC class II molecules. These sequence motifs cause the amino terminus to move to produce alignment. Moreover, these shifts happen naturally for one peptide sequence without affecting CD4 T-cell recognition.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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