MHC Class I Molecules and PirB Shape Neuronal Morphology by Affecting the Dendritic Arborization of Cortical Neurons

Neuronal MHC class I proteins have been previously reported to regulate synaptic plasticity. Several reports indicate MHC class I proteins are expressed early during development of the nervous system, suggesting they may also play a role in neuronal development. Using cultured cortical neurons, we show MHC class I proteins aggregate at specific sites in neuronal cell bodies, which overlap with the actin cytoskeleton. Knockout of MHC class I in cultured neurons increases total dendritic length and the number of branch points. These effects are abolished by reintroducing MHC class I expression. Similarly, blocking of MHC class I proteins or PirB by an MHCI antibody or a soluble PirB ectodomain respectively, mimics the knock out phenotype of increased dendritic branching. This effect is correlated with decreased phosphorylation of both LIMK and cofilin, suggesting it may be mediated by an induction of cofilin activity. Finally, layer II and III cortical neurons in the sensorimotor region of an MHC class I deficiency mouse model show increased dendritic growth and branching. Altogether, our results suggest MHC class I plays a role in inhibiting or limiting the degree of dendrite arborization during the development of cortical neurons.