Membrane specializations and endosome maturation in dendritic cells and B cells

Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Apr;14(4):175-83. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2004.02.004.

Abstract

Interest in the cell biology of antigen presentation is centered on dendritic cells (DCs) as initiators of the immune response. The ability to examine primary antigen-presenting cells, as opposed to cell lines, has opened a new window for study of antigen processing and peptide acquisition by Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products, especially where intracellular trafficking of peptide-Class-II complexes is concerned. Here, we review the dynamics of Class II MHC-positive intracellular structures in dendritic cells as well as B cells. We focus on the generation of multivesicular bodies, where Class II MHC products acquire antigenic peptide, on the endosomal transport of peptide-loaded Class II MHC to the cell surface and on the importance of Class II MHC localization in membrane microdomains.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology*
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Protein Transport / immunology
  • Protein Transport / physiology

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Peptides