Nordeng T W, Bakke O
Department of Biology, University of Oslo, Norway.
Immunol Lett. 1994 Dec;43(1-2):47-55. doi: 10.1016/0165-2478(94)00159-6.
Foreign antigens are internalized by antigen presenting cells by endocytosis and processed to peptides. To enable presentation of antigenic peptides by MHC class II molecules, these molecules have to be sorted to endosomal compartments where they can meet and bind the peptides. Invariant chain is complexed with MHC class II molecules and contains sorting signals responsible for MHC class II accumulation in endosomes. Invariant chain also has several other features contributing to the immune system's specific combat against invaders.
外来抗原通过内吞作用被抗原呈递细胞摄取，并加工成肽段。为了使抗原肽能够通过MHC II类分子呈递，这些分子必须被分选到内体区室，在那里它们可以与肽段相遇并结合。恒定链与MHC II类分子结合，并含有负责MHC II类分子在内体中积累的分选信号。恒定链还具有其他几个有助于免疫系统特异性对抗入侵者的特征。
