Antigen Processing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Is Monitored by Semi-Invariant αβ TCRs Specific for a Conserved Peptide-Qa-1^b MHC Class Ib Ligand.

ABSTRACT: Ag processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the ER aminopeptidase associated with Ag processing (ERAAP) is central to presentation of a normal peptide-MHC class I (MHC I) repertoire. Alternations in ERAAP function cause dramatic changes in the MHC I-presented peptides, which elicit potent immune responses. An unusual subset of CD8⁺ T cells monitor normal Ag processing by responding to a highly conserved FL9 peptide that is presented by Qa-1^b, a nonclassical MHC Ib molecule (QFL) in ERAAP-deficient cells. To understand the structural basis for recognition of the conserved ligand, we analyzed the αβ TCRs of QFL-specific T cells. Individual cells in normal wild-type and TCRβ-transgenic mice were assessed for QFL-specific TCR α- and β-chains. The QFL-specific cells

SUBMITTER: Guan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5321846 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature