Multiple mechanisms allow Mycobacterium tuberculosis to continuously inhibit MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation by macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Previous experimental studies suggest that Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibits a number of macrophage intracellular processes associated with antigen presentation, including antigen processing, MHC class II expression, trafficking of MHC class II molecules, and peptide-MHC class II binding. In this study, we investigate why multiple mechanisms have been observed. Specifically, we consider what purpose multiple mechanisms may serve, whether experimental protocols favor the detection of some mechanisms over others, and whether alternative mechanisms exist. By using a mathematical model of antigen presentation in macrophages that tracks levels of various molecules, including peptide-MHC class II complexes on the cell surface, we show that mechanisms targeting MHC class II expression are effec

SUBMITTER: Chang ST 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC555518 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature