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Cloning of a complementary DNA encoding the unique dendritic cell antigen Ki-M9
Peter Middel1, Barbro Wynne Patterson, Ira van Ophemert
1Institute of Pathology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. pmiddel@med.uni-goettingen.de
Cell and Tissue Research
|March 21, 2002
Summary
Researchers identified a novel antigen on human sinus-lining cells (SLC) crucial for immune responses. This discovery sheds light on the cellular mechanisms underlying humoral immunity and antigen presentation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sinus-lining cells (SLC) in lymph nodes are accessory cells in humoral immune responses.
- A unique antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody Ki-M9 is expressed on SLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further characterize the SLC-specific antigen.
- To identify the gene encoding the Ki-M9 antigen.
Main Methods:
- Screening of a spleen cDNA library using immunochemical methods.
- Characterization of cDNA clones and protein expression.
- In situ hybridization to determine tissue-specific expression.
- Sequence homology analysis with murine cDNA.
Main Results:
- Identified a 1666 bp cDNA encoding a 68-kDa protein recognized by Ki-M9.
- Confirmed SLC-specific expression of the cloned cDNA using in situ hybridization.
- Detected Ki-M9 mRNA in various immune cells and tissues, including conserved expression in mouse.
- Sequence analysis revealed potential glycosylation sites and a PEST motif, suggesting rapid degradation.
Conclusions:
- The Ki-M9 antigen is a conserved protein in humans and mice, likely involved in initiating humoral immune responses.
- The identified antigen's characteristics suggest a role as a rapidly degraded membrane-bound protein essential for immune cell function.