Abstract
Antigens presented to CD4+ T cells derive primarily from exogenous proteins that are processed into peptides capable of binding tc class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in an endocytic compartment1-4. In contrast, antigens presented to CD8+ T cells derive mostly from proteins processed in the cytosol, and peptide loading onto class I MHC molecules in an early exocytic compartment is dependent on a transporter for antigen presentation encoded in the class II MHC region5-11. Endogenous cytosolic antigen can also be presented by class II molecules12,13. Here we show that, unlike class I-restricted recognition of antigen, HLA-DR1-restricted recognition of cytosolic antigen occurs in mutant cells without a transporter for antigen presentation. In contrast, DR1-restricted recognition of a short cytosolic peptide is dependent on such a transporter. Thus helper T-cell epitopes can be generated from cytosolic antigens by several mechanisms, one of which is distinct from the classical class I pathway.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 702-704 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Nature |
Volume | 357 |
Issue number | 6380 |
Publication status | Published - Jun 25 1992 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General