Cutting edge: the HLA-A*0101-restricted HY minor histocompatibility antigen originates from DFFRY and contains a cysteinylated cysteine residue as identified by a novel mass spectrometric technique

J Immunol. 1999 Dec 15;163(12):6360-4.

Abstract

In this report, we describe the use of novel mass spectrometry instrumentation to identify a male-specific minor histocompatibility Ag restricted by HLA-A*0101 (A1-HY). This Ag has the sequence IVDC*LTEMY, where C* represents a cysteine disulfide bonded to a second cysteine residue. The core peptide sequence is found in the protein product of DFFRY, a Y chromosome gene not previously identified as the source of an HY Ag. The male-specific form of the peptide differs from its X chromosomal counterpart by the substitution of serine for the C* residue. Both peptides are expressed on the cell surface at 30 or fewer copies per cell. However, A1-HY-specific CTL recognize the DFFRY-derived peptide at a 1500-fold lower dose than the female homologue. Thus, these studies have identified a new source of HY epitopes and provide additional information about the influence of posttranslational modifications of class I-associated peptides on T cell recognition.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Surface / isolation & purification
  • Antigens, Surface / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cysteine / metabolism*
  • Disulfides / metabolism
  • Epitopes / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • H-Y Antigen / isolation & purification
  • H-Y Antigen / metabolism*
  • HLA-A Antigens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Methionine / metabolism
  • X Chromosome / genetics
  • Y Chromosome / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Surface
  • Disulfides
  • Epitopes
  • H-Y Antigen
  • HLA-A Antigens
  • Methionine
  • Cysteine