Mammalian non-classical major histocompatibility complex I and its receptors: Important contexts of gene, evolution, and immunity

BM Pratheek, Tapas K Nayak, Subhransu S Sahoo, Prafulla K Mohanty, Soma Chattopadhyay, Ntiya G Chakraborty, Subhasis ChattopadhyayIndian Journal of Human Genetics 2014 20(2):129-141The evolutionary conserved, less-polymorphic, nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules: Qa-1 and its human homologue human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) along with HLA-F, G and H cross-talk with the T-cell receptors and also interact with natural killer T-cells and other lymphocytes. Moreover, these nonclassical MHC molecules are known to interact with CD94/NKG2 heterodimeric receptors to induce immune responses and immune regulations. This dual role of Qa-1/HLA-E in terms of innate and adaptive immunity makes them more interesting. This review highlights the new updates of the mammalian nonclassical MHC-I molecules in terms of their gene organization, evolutionary perspective and their role in immunity.

Source: Indian Journal of Human Genetics - October 14, 2014 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: BM PratheekTapas K NayakSubhransu S SahooPrafulla K MohantySoma ChattopadhyayNtiya G ChakrabortySubhasis Chattopadhyay Source Type: research