The nonclassical MHC class I Qa-1 expressed in layer 6 neurons regulates activity-dependent plasticity via microglial CD94/NKG2 in the cortex.

ABSTRACT: During developmental critical periods, circuits are sculpted by a process of activity-dependent competition. The molecular machinery involved in regulating the complex process of responding to different levels of activity is now beginning to be identified. Here, we show that the nonclassical major histocompatibility class I (MHCI) molecule Qa-1 is expressed in the healthy brain in layer 6 corticothalamic neurons. In the visual cortex, Qa-1 expression begins during the critical period for ocular dominance (OD) plasticity and is regulated by neuronal activity, suggesting a role in regulating activity-dependent competition. Indeed, in mice lacking Qa-1, OD plasticity is perturbed. Moreover, signaling through CD94/NKG2, a known cognate Qa-1 heterodimeric receptor in the immune system, is impli

SUBMITTER: Marin IA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9191652 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature