Location, location, location: the evolutionary history of CD1 genes and the NKR-P1/ligand systems.

ABSTRACT: CD1 genes encode cell surface molecules that present lipid antigens to various kinds of T lymphocytes of the immune system. The structures of CD1 genes and molecules are like the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I system, the loading of antigen and the tissue distribution for CD1 molecules are like those in the class II system, and phylogenetic analyses place CD1 between class I and class II sequences, altogether leading to the notion that CD1 is a third ancient system of antigen presentation molecules. However, thus far, CD1 genes have only been described in mammals, birds and reptiles, leaving major questions as to their origin and evolution. In this review, we recount a little history of the field so far and then consider what has been learned about the structure and functio

SUBMITTER: Rogers SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5002281 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature