Abstract
MR1 is an MHC class I-like molecule with unique structural and biological features that make it an important member among the molecules involved in antigen presentation to T cells. Distinctive features include ubiquitous expression of the MR1 gene and its monomorphism. Another relevant property is that the MR1 protein appears at very low levels on the plasma membrane and its surface expression is regulated by antigen binding. Finally, the nature of presented antigens differs from those that bind other presenting molecules and includes small metabolites of microbial and self-origin, small drugs and tumor-associated antigens. This opinion paper describes in detail some of those features and discusses recent literature in the field.
Keywords:
Antigen presentation; MR1; MR1T cells; Self-antigen.
Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antigen Presentation* / genetics
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Antigen Presentation* / immunology
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Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
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Antigens, Bacterial / metabolism
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / chemistry
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
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Humans
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Ligands
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Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
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Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / chemistry
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / genetics
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / immunology
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / metabolism*
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Protein Binding
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity* / genetics
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T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity* / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
Substances
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Antigens, Bacterial
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
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Ligands
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MR1 protein, human
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Minor Histocompatibility Antigens