Antigen-B cell receptor complexes associate with intracellular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules

Abstract

Background: Mechanisms that preferentially deliver B cell receptor-antigen complexes to receptive MHC class II molecules are poorly defined. Results: Internalized B cell receptor-antigen complexes associate with class II molecules. Conclusion: In B cells, B cell receptor-antigen complexes associate with peptide-loaded class II molecules, potentially defining sites of class II ligand acquisition. Significance: Antigen-specific B cells control the loading of cognate antigen-derived peptide onto class II molecules.