Cross-talk between the endocytic pathway and the endoplasmic reticulum in cross-presentation by MHC class I molecules

Cross-presentation of exogenous proteins on MHC class I complexes contributes to the priming CD8(+) T-cell responses. However, the mechanisms by which antigen-presenting cells transfer internalized proteins to the MHC class I loading pathway are not well understood. Endocytosed proteins often appear to require proteasomal processing and transport into the endoplasmic reticulum, but the intracellular routes involved in cross-presentation remain unclear. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of cross-presentation will illuminate novel aspects of cell physiology and might lead to improved vaccine design.