MR1-dependent antigen presentation

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2018 Dec:84:58-64. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.11.028.

Abstract

MR1 is a non-classical class I molecule that is highly conserved among mammals. Though discovered in 1995, only recently have MR1 ligands and antigens for MR1-restricted T cells been described. Unlike the traditional class I molecules HLA-A, -B, and -C, little MR1 is on the cell surface. Rather, MR1 resides in discrete intracellular vesicles and the endoplasmic reticulum, and can present non-peptidic small molecules such as those found in the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway. Since mammals do not synthesize riboflavin, MR1 can serve as a sensor of the microbial metabolome and could be key to the early detection of intracellular infection. This review will summarize the current understanding of MR1-dependent antigen presentation.

Keywords: Antigen presentation; MR1; Mucosal associated invariant T cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • Cell Membrane / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Ligands
  • MR1 protein, human
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens