Cutting edge: editing of recycling class II:peptide complexes by HLA-DM

HLA-DM catalyzes the exchange and selection of ligands for MHC class II molecules within mature endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Here, evidence is provided that DM edits peptides in early endosomes, thus influencing presentation via recycling class II molecules. Maximal class II-restricted presentation of an albumin-derived peptide, dependent on endocytosis and recycling class II molecules, was observed in cells lacking HLA-DM. DM editing of this epitope was observed in early endocytic compartments as shown using inhibitors of early to late endosomal transport. Editing was tempered by coexpression of HLA-DO, suggesting that DM:DO ratio may be important in guiding epitope editing in early endosomal compartments. Thus, HLA-DM appears to interact with, and edit epitopes displayed by, recycling class II molecules.