Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Assays for the Degradation of Misfolded Proteins in Cells
Published on: August 28, 2016
Role of the Proteasome System in Shaping Cellular Immunological Characteristics and Its Impact in Modulating the
Ejlal Abu-El-Rub1, Hana M Zegallai1,2, Ramada Khasawneh1
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Background:
The 26S proteasome degradation system is a central regulator of protein homeostasis and immune function, integrating antigen processing, inflammatory signaling, and cell fate decisions. Dysregulation of this system has profound consequences for immune tolerance, immune evasion, and immune-mediated pathology.
Summary:
In this review, we examine the roles of the constitutive 26S proteasome and the inducible immunoproteasome in shaping cellular immunological characteristics, with a particular focus on mesenchymal stem cells and cancer cells, two cell types that exhibit context-dependent immune privilege. We discuss how proteasome dynamics regulate antigen presentation, cytokine production, and the expression of immune checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules under physiological and stress conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic imbalance. We also summarize evidence linking altered proteasome function to the pathogenesis of autoimmune, immunodeficiency, and autoinflammatory diseases.
Key Messages:
The proteasome system is a pivotal molecular hub controlling immune visibility and immune escape. Understanding how distinct proteasome isoforms operate in different microenvironments will be essential for developing targeted immunomodulatory and proteasome-based therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
The Proteasome
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
The Proteasome
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. This involves participation of a series of enzymes including— E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3 (ubiquitin...
The Proteasome
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
The Proteasome Structure
The proteasome is an...
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...

