MtDNA-encoded histocompatibility antigens
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Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Stability and Structure of Bat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I with Heterologous β2-Microglobulin
Published on: March 10, 2021
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA.
Abstract:
Mitochondrially encoded H antigens are by-products of a system that has evolved in vertebrates to present peptides from intracellular pathogens on the cell surface for detection by CTLs, which can lyse the infected cell. CTL lines and clones with defined specificity against mitochondrial H antigens, which can be maintained in culture for long periods, offer a unique tool in mitochondrial genetics. Expression of polymorphic mitochondrial H antigens depends on both the presence and the activity of the corresponding mitochondrial genome, and CTLs can provide strong selection against cells displaying their cognate antigen.
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