Allele- and locus-specific recognition of class I MHC molecules by the immunomodulatory E3-19K protein from adenovirus.

The E3-19K protein from human adenoviruses (Ads) retains class I MHC molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum. As a consequence, the cell surface expression of class I molecules is suppressed, allowing Ads to evade immune surveillance. Using native gel electrophoresis, gel filtration chromatography, and surface plasmon resonance, we show that a soluble form of the Ad type 2 (Ad2) E3-19K protein associates with HLA-A and -B molecules; equilibrium dissociation constants were in the nanomolar range and approximately 2.5-fold higher affinity for HLA-A (-A0201, -A0301, -A1101, -A3301, and -Aw6801) relative to HLA-B (-B0702 and -B0801) molecules. Among the alleles of the HLA-A locus examined, HLA-A3101 associated approximately 15-fold less avidly with soluble E3-19K. Soluble E3-19K interacted only very weakly with HLA-Cw0304, and no interaction with HLA-Cw0401 could be detected under identical conditions. Site-directed mutagenesis and flow cytometry demonstrated that MHC residue 56 plays a critical role in the association and endoplasmic reticulum retention of HLA-A molecules by E3-19K. This delineates the spatial environment around residue 56 as a putative E3-19K interaction surface on class I molecules. Overall, our data imply that a link may exist between host genetic factors and the susceptibility of individuals to Ad infections.