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Post-translational modifications of naturally processed MHC-binding epitopes.
Victor H Engelhard1, Michelle Altrich-Vanlith, Marina Ostankovitch
1Carter Center for Immunology Research and the Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA. vhe@virginia.edu
Current Opinion in Immunology
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Post-translational modifications of peptides bound to MHC molecules influence peptide binding and antigen processing. These modifications change with disease and aging, altering immune responses in autoimmunity, infection, and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules are crucial for adaptive immunity.
- These peptides are typically derived from endogenous or exogenous proteins through antigen processing.
- The nature of peptides displayed by MHC molecules dictates T-cell recognition and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the described post-translational modifications (PTMs) of peptides presented by MHC class I and II molecules.
- To explore how PTMs affect peptide binding to MHC and antigen processing.
- To discuss the implications of PTMs in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies describing PTMs of MHC-associated peptides.
- Analysis of the functional consequences of PTMs on peptide-MHC interactions.
- Synthesis of evidence linking PTMs to immune-related processes.
Main Results:
- Numerous PTMs of MHC-displayed peptides have been identified.
- Some PTMs enhance peptide binding to MHC molecules.
- Antigen processing machinery can generate PTMs, and PTMs can influence processing.
- PTMs are altered during inflammation, aging, apoptosis, and cancer development.
Conclusions:
- PTMs significantly impact the repertoire of peptides presented by MHC molecules.
- Altered peptide repertoires due to PTMs can modulate immune responses.
- Understanding PTMs is critical for comprehending immune responses in autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer.