Role of MHC class I molecules in autoimmune disease

The MHC class I molecules play a pivotal role in triggering cellular immune responses, binding and presenting intracellularly derived peptide antigens. Studies of MHC class I expression revealed a complex regulatory mechanism that integrates tissue-specific and hormonal modulation. Dynamic regulation occurs in the thyroid, in response to hormonal repression by TSH and stimulation by thyroid hormone. This dynamic cycle provides the basis for proposing the model that such regulation is important to maintain tolerance to self-antigens in tissues synthesizing large amounts of secretory proteins. Failure to appropriately regulate class I levels is predicted to result in autoimmunity. In support of this model, we found that class I-deficient mice are resistant to the experimentally induced autoimmune diseases, SLE, and blepharitis. Furthermore, pharmacological treatment with an agent that reduces class I expression also reduces the incidence and severity of both experimental and spontaneous autoimmune SLE.