T cell activation by lipopeptide antigens

Science. 2004 Jan 23;303(5657):527-31. doi: 10.1126/science.1089353.

Abstract

Unlike major histocompatibility proteins, which bind peptides, CD1 proteins display lipid antigens to T cells. Here, we report that CD1a presents a family of previously unknown lipopeptides from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, named didehydroxymycobactins because of their structural relation to mycobactin siderophores. T cell activation was mediated by the alphabeta T cell receptors and was specific for structure of the acyl and peptidic components of these antigens. These studies identify a means of intracellular pathogen detection and identify lipopeptides as a biochemical class of antigens for T cells, which, like conventional peptides, have a potential for marked structural diversity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antigen Presentation*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / chemistry
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Antigens, CD1 / chemistry
  • Antigens, CD1 / immunology
  • Antigens, CD1 / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Hydroxylation
  • Lipoproteins / chemistry
  • Lipoproteins / immunology*
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / growth & development
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology*
  • Oxazoles / chemistry
  • Oxazoles / immunology*
  • Oxazoles / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Antigens, CD1
  • CD1a antigen
  • Lipoproteins
  • Oxazoles
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • mycobactins