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Major histocompatibility complex class II binding characteristics of peptoid-peptide hybrids.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II binding requirements for solvent-exposed peptide residues were systematically studied using amino acid and peptoid substitutions. In a peptoid residue, the side chain is present on the backbone nitrogen atom as opposed to the alpha-carbon atom in an amino acid residue. To investigate the effect of this side chain shifting on MHC binding, three amino acids in the central part of the peptide sticking out of the binding groove were replaced by corresponding peptoid residues. Two peptoid-peptide hybrids showed large affinity decreases in the MHC-peptide binding assay. To investigate this affinity loss, the individual contributions to MHC binding affinity of the side chain (position), the putative hydrogen bond, and the flexibility were dissected. We conclude that the side chain position as well as the backbone nitrogen atom hydrogen bonding features of solvent-exposed residues in the peptide can be important for MHC binding affinity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A gene in the human major histocompatibility complex class II region controlling the class I antigen presentation pathway.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules export peptides to the cell surface for surveillance by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Intracellular peptide binding is critical for the proper assembly and transport of class I molecules. This mechanism is impaired as a result of a non-functional peptide supply factor gene (PSF) in several human mutant cell lines with genomic lesions in the MHC. We have now identified PSF in the MHC class II region by deletion mapping in mutants and chromosome-walking. PSF is homologous to mammalian and bacterial ATP-dependent transport proteins, suggesting that it operates in the intracellular transport of peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Two putative subunits of a peptide pump encoded in the human major histocompatibility complex class II region.

The class II region of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may encode several genes controlling the processing of endogenous antigen and the presentation of peptide epitopes by MHC class I molecules to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. A previously described peptide supply factor (PSF1) is a member of the multidrug-resistance family of transporters and may pump cytosolic peptides into the membrane-bound compartment where class I molecules assemble. A second transporter gene, PSF2, was identified 10 kilobases (kb) from PSF1, near the class II DOB gene. The complete sequences of PSF1 and PSF2 were determined from cDNA clones. The translation products are closely related in sequence and predicted secondary structure. Both contain a highly conserved ATP-binding fold and share 25% homology in a hydrophobic domain with a tentative number of eight membrane-spanning segments. Based on the principle dimeric organization of these two domains in other transporters, PSF1 and PSF2 may function as complementary subunits, independently as homodimers, or both. Taken together with previous genetic evidence, the coregulation of PSF1 and PSF2 by gamma interferon and the to-some-degree coordinate transcription of these genes suggest a common role in peptide-loading of class I molecules, although a distinct function of PSF2 cannot be ruled out.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Affinity-purified CCAAT-box-binding protein (YEBP) functionally regulates expression of a human class II major histocompatibility complex gene and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene.

Efficient major histocompatibility complex class II gene expression requires conserved protein-binding promoter elements, including X and Y elements. We affinity purified an HLA-DRA Y-element (CCAAT)-binding protein (YEBP) and used it to reconstitute Y-depleted HLA-DRA in vitro transcription. This directly demonstrates a positive functional role for YEBP in HLA-DRA transcription. The ability of YEBP to regulate divergent CCAAT elements was also assessed; YEBP was found to partially activate the thymidine kinase promoter. This functional analysis of YEBP shows that this protein plays an important role in the regulation of multiple genes.

Animals↗

Extensive peptide ligand exchange by surface class I major histocompatibility complex molecules independent of exogenous beta 2-microglobulin.

Certain class I major histocompatibility complex molecules expressed on live cells have been shown to bind exogenous peptide ligands. However, it remains controversial whether this binding occurs by peptide exchange or to empty surface class I molecules. In this report we compare the surface binding and dissociation of two virus-derived ligands of the Ld class I molecule of the mouse. The peptide ligands were previously identified in immune responses to cytomegalovirus or lymphochoriomeningitis virus as immunodominant, optimally sized, and Ld restricted. Ligand dissociation was monitored on live cells indirectly by measuring the surface turnover of Ld-peptide complexes or directly by using labeled peptides. The cytomegalovirus-derived and lymphochoriomeningitis virus-derived peptides appeared to dissociate relatively rapidly; however, the cytomegalovirus-derived peptide had a more rapid off-rate than the lymphochoriomeningitis-derived peptide. Furthermore, these rates of dissociation appear to span that seen with endogenous Ld-associated peptides expressed by cells at 37 degrees C. Exploiting the extraordinary accessibility of the surface Ld ligand binding site we developed an assay to quantitate peptide ligand exchange. Cells were precoated with saturating amounts of unlabeled peptide by overnight incubation and were then tested for secondary binding of labeled peptides in a 4-h assay. Our results unequivocally demonstrate the potential for surface class I molecules to undergo peptide exchange. Furthermore, peptide exchange was found to be largely independent of exogenous beta 2-microglobulin. This result implies that beta 2-microglobulin association and not beta 2-microglobulin exchange is the critical factor in peptide exchange by surface class I molecules. Because of the exquisite ability of T cells to discriminate different amounts of ligand bound to class I, the binding of exogenous peptides could play a critical role in normal or aberrant immune responses.

Animals↗

Delineation of an extended surface contact area on human CD4 involved in class II major histocompatibility complex binding.

We describe a detailed mapping of the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) binding site using site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with high-resolution CD4 structural data. Residues on all lateral surfaces of domain 1 and the neighboring portions of domain 2 participate in contacting class II MHC. Thus, in addition to the C'C" ridge that forms the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 binding site, apparent MHC contacts extend over the BED face of domain 1 and across the interdomain groove onto the FG loop of domain 2. Several models of the CD4/class II MHC interaction accounting for the extent of the CD4 surface involved are discussed, including the possibility that CD4 may contact more than one class II MHC molecule using different surfaces.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A secreted form of the major histocompatibility complex class II-associated invariant chain inhibiting T cell activation.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules function at the cell surface to present antigenic peptides to T helper cells. Intracellularly, MHC class II molecules are associated with the invariant chain (Ii). Ii can modulate MHC class II-dependent T cell activation through (i) assistance in the export of MHC class II molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum, (ii) providing a targeting signal for endosomal/lysosomal compartments, and (iii) preventing peptides from associating prematurely with MHC class II molecules. Here we describe the generation and subsequent secretion of a lumenal form of Ii, IiP25. IiP25 lacked the targeting sequences for transport to MHC class II compartments but contained part of the CLIP region that is known to compete with antigenic peptides for binding to MHC class II molecules. When added to an antigenic peptide presentation model system, IiP25 inhibited T cell activation by competing for the CLIP binding site at the plasma membrane. Secretion of a lumenal Ii fragment may represent an additional mechanism to modulate T cell activation by MHC class II molecules.

Binding Sites↗

Sequential modifications in class II transactivator isoform 1 induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulate major histocompatibility complex class II transcription in macrophages.

By presenting antigenic peptides on major histocompatibility complex class (MHC) II determinants to CD4(+) T cells, macrophages help to direct the establishment of adaptive immunity. We found that in these cells, lipopolysaccharide stimulates the expression of MHC II genes via the activation of Erk1/2, which is mediated by Toll-like receptor 4. Erk1/2 then phosphorylates the serine at position 357, which is located in a degron of CIITA isoform 1 that leads to its monoubiquitylation. Thus modified, CIITA isoform 1 binds P-TEFb, which mediates the elongation of RNA polymerase II and co-transcriptional processing of nascent transcripts. This induction leads to the expression of MHC II genes. Subsequent polyubiquitylation results in the degradation of CIITA isoform 1. Thus, the signaling cascade from Toll-like receptor 4 to CIITA isoform 1 represents one connection between innate and adaptive immunity in macrophages.

Animals↗

Binding sites for bacterial and endogenous retroviral superantigens can be dissociated on major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.

Bacterial and retroviral superantigens (SAGs) interact with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and stimulate T cells upon binding to the V beta portion of the T cell receptor. Whereas both types of molecules exert similar effects on T cells, they have very different primary structures. Amino acids critical for the binding of bacterial toxins to class II molecules have been identified but little is known of the molecular interactions between class II and retroviral SAGs. To determine whether both types of superantigens interact with the same regions of MHC class II molecules, we have generated mutant HLA-DR molecules which have lost the capacity to bind three bacterial toxins (Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A [SEA], S. aureus enterotoxin B [SEB], and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 [TSST-1]). Cells expressing these mutated class II molecules efficiently presented two retroviral SAGs (Mtv-9 and Mtv-7) to T cells while they were unable to present the bacterial SAGs. These results demonstrate that the binding sites for both types of SAGs can be dissociated.

Animals↗

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A has two cooperative binding sites on major histocompatibility complex class II.

The superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) binds to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules at two sites on either side of the peptide groove. Two separate but cooperative interactions to the human class II molecule HLA-DR1 were detected. The first high affinity interaction to the DR1 beta chain is mediated by a zinc atom coordinated by H187, H225, and D227 in SEA and H81 in the polymorphic DR1 beta chain. The second low affinity site is to the DR1 alpha chain analogous to SEB binding and is mediated by residue F47 in SEA. Binding of one SEA to the DR1 beta chain enhances the binding of a second SEA molecule to the DR1 alpha chain. The zinc site is on the opposite side of the SEA molecule from residue F47 so that one SEA molecule can readily bind two class II molecules. Both binding sites on SEA are required for maximal activity. Thus, unlike, SEB, SEA requires two separate binding sites for optimal activity, which may allow it to stabilize SEA interaction with T cell receptors, as well as to activate the antigen-presenting cell by cross-linking MHC class II.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A structural transition in class II major histocompatibility complex proteins at mildly acidic pH.

Peptide binding by class II major histocompatibility complex proteins is generally enhanced at low pH in the range of hydrogen ion concentrations found in the endosomal compartments of antigen-presenting cells. We and others have proposed that class II molecules undergo a reversible conformational change at low pH that is associated with enhanced peptide loading. However, no one has previously provided direct evidence for a structural change in class II proteins in the mildly acidic pH conditions in which enhanced peptide binding is observed. In this study, susceptibility to denaturation induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent or heat was used to probe the conformation of class II at different hydrogen ion concentrations. Class II molecules became sensitive to denaturation at pH 5.5-6.5 depending on the allele and experimental conditions. The observed structural transition was fully reversible if acidic pH was neutralized before exposure to SDS or heat. Experiments with the environment-sensitive fluorescent probe ANS (8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonic acid) provided further evidence for a reversible structural transition at mildly acidic pH associated with an increase in exposed hydrophobicity in class II molecules. IAd conformation was found to change at a higher pH than IEd, IEk, or IAk, which correlates with the different pH optimal for peptide binding by these molecules. We conclude that pH regulates peptide binding by influencing the structure of class II molecules.

Acids↗

Interferon type I downregulates human parainfluenza virus type 3-induced major histocompatibility complex class II expression.

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) induces major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression in a signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1)- and class II transactivator (CIITA)-independent manner. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, the potent inducer of MHC class II, on the other hand, requires both STAT1 and CIITA in the induction process. IFN-alpha/beta has been shown to inhibit the IFN-y-induced expression of MHC class II by targeting a step(s) downstream of CIITA. Here we report that IFN-alpha/beta also inhibits the CIITA-independent expression of HPIV3-induced MHC class II. The inhibitory role of IFN-alpha/beta on HPIV3-induced MHC class II was confirmed by using anti-IFN-alpha/beta antibody and mutant cell lines defective in the IFN signaling components STAT1 and STAT2. IFN-alpha/beta inhibits virus-induced MHC class II expression just as it does IFN-gamma-induced MHC class II. The inhibition by IFN-alpha/beta of MHC class II expression may play a regulatory role in virus induced autoimmune disease mediated by MHC class II aberrant expression.

Animals↗

Modulation of the peptide-binding specificity of a single-chain class II major histocompatibility complex.

We designed and expressed a single-chain class II major histocompatibility complex molecule capable of forming a stable complex with an antigenic peptide. The peptide-binding preference of the single-chain (sc) human leukocyte antigen derived from DRB5(*)0101 (DR51) was determined to be similar to that of the authentic one, which requires a bulky hydrophobic residue at position-1 (P1) as a primary anchor. For modulation of the peptide-binding affinity, we modified binding pocket 1 of sc DR51 by site-directed mutagenesis. The relative binding affinity of the engineered sc DR51 for several P1-substituted peptides was measured by competition assaying with a fluorescence labeled peptide. The sc DR51 molecule showed high affinity to the self-peptide derived from myelin basic protein, 87-98 with Phe as the P1 residue (F90F). While reduction of pocket 1 volume (betaG86V) decreased the affinity of F90F, it rather increased the affinity of the Ala-substituted peptide as to the P1 residue (F90A). Through more extensive engineering in the peptide-binding groove of the sc DR51 molecule, it is expected that we can construct sc DR51 variants with various peptide ligand motifs.

Binding Sites↗

Natural killer cell receptors for major histocompatibility complex class I and related molecules in cytomegalovirus infection.

Downmodulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules by cytomegalovirus (CMV) impairs the engagement of specific leucocyte-inhibitory receptors, rendering infected cells vulnerable to natural killer (NK) cells. Members of the murine Ly49 and human KIR families, CD85j (ILT2 or leucocyte Ig-like receptor-1), as well as the CD94/NKG2A-inhibitory killer lectin-like receptor (KLR) fulfil this surveillance role. On the other hand, NK-activating receptors specific to ligands expressed on virus-infected cells may overcome the control by inhibitory receptors. In this regard, NKG2D and Ly49H lectin-like molecules trigger NK-cell functions recognizing, respectively class I-related stress-inducible molecules and the m157 murine CMV glycoprotein. Among a variety of immune evasion strategies, CMV promotes the synthesis of class I surrogates and selectively preserves the expression of some class I molecules in infected cells; moreover, CMV interferes with the expression of ligands for NKG2D. We herein review these aspects of the host-pathogen interaction, discussing a number of open issues.

Animals↗

Major histocompatibility complex class II polymorphisms in primates.

In the past decade, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region of several primate species has been investigated extensively. Here we will discuss the similarities and differences found in the MHC class II repertoires of primate species including humans, chimpanzees, rhesus macaques, cotton-top tamarins and common marmosets. Such types of comparisons shed light on the evolutionary stability of MHC class II alleles, lineages and loci as well as on the evolutionary origin and biological significance of haplotype configurations.

Animals↗

Human cytomegalovirus protein US11 provokes an unfolded protein response that may facilitate the degradation of class I major histocompatibility complex products.

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein US11 diverts class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) heavy chains (HC) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytosol, where HC are subjected to proteasome-mediated degradation. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts that are deficient for X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), a key transcription factor in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, we show that degradation of endogenous mouse HC is impaired. Moreover, the rate of US11-mediated degradation of ectopically expressed HLA-A2 is reduced when XBP-1 is absent. In the human astrocytoma cell line U373, turning on expression of US11, but not US2, is sufficient to induce a UPR, as manifested by upregulation of the ER chaperone Bip and by splicing of XBP-1 mRNA. In the presence of dominant-negative versions of XBP-1 and activating transcription factor 6, the kinetics of class I MHC HC degradation were delayed when expression of US11 was turned on. The magnitude of these effects, while reproducible, was modest. Conversely, in cells that stably express high levels of US11, the degradation of HC is not affected by the presence of the dominant negative effectors of the UPR. An infection of human foreskin fibroblasts with human cytomegalovirus induced XBP-1 splicing in a manner that coincides with US11 expression. We conclude that the contribution of the UPR is more pronounced on HC degradation shortly after induction of US11 expression and that US11 is sufficient to induce such a response.

Animals↗

Induction of class II major histocompatibility complex expression in human multiple myeloma cells by retinoid.

Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) is normally silenced in plasma/multiple myeloma (MM) cells at the transcriptional level through downregulation of class II transactivator (CIITA), allowing MM cells to escape from immunological responses. Here we demonstrate that a retinoic acid receptor-alpha/beta-selective retinoid Am80 (tamibarotene) could induce the expression of functional MHC II molecules in human MM cell lines. Am80 upregulated expression of the interferon regulatory factor-1 gene, followed by enhancement of CIITA expression. This is the first report demonstrating that retinoid can induce the expression of MHC II in terminally-differentiated plasma/MM cells.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

Is tumor expression of the major histocompatibility complex antigen required for T cell immune surveillance?

Tumor expression of major histocompatibility complex antigen (MHC) class I and class II is not essential for the induction of memory T cells. However, induction of MHC class I-restricted effector cytotoxic T cells (CTL) appears dependent on MHC class I expression on tumors. Moreover, the effector function of tumor-specific CTL requires direct recognition of the tumor. In contrast, both the inductive and the effector phases of MHC class II-restricted T cells are independent of MHC class II expression on tumors.

Histocompatibility Antigens Class I↗