Endogenous MHC class II processing of a viral nuclear antigen after autophagy

Science. 2005 Jan 28;307(5709):593-6. doi: 10.1126/science.1104904. Epub 2004 Dec 9.

Abstract

CD4+ T cells classically recognize antigens that are endocytosed and processed in lysosomes for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Here, endogenous Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) was found to gain access to this pathway by autophagy. On inhibition of lysosomal acidification, EBNA1, the dominant CD4+ T cell antigen of latent Epstein-Barr virus infection, slowly accumulated in cytosolic autophagosomes. In addition, inhibition of autophagy decreased recognition by EBNA1-specific CD4+ T cell clones. Thus, lysosomal processing after autophagy may contribute to MHC class II-restricted surveillance of long-lived endogenous antigens including nuclear proteins relevant to disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation*
  • Autophagy*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chloroquine / pharmacology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / metabolism*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lysosomes / immunology
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Microsomes / metabolism
  • Phagosomes / immunology
  • Phagosomes / metabolism*
  • Phagosomes / ultrastructure
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Chloroquine
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
  • EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1