Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-peptide complexes arrive at the plasma membrane in cholesterol-rich microclusters

Abstract

Background: Antigen-specific CD4 T cells are activated by small numbers of antigenic peptide-MHC class II (pMHC-II) complexes on dendritic cells (DCs). Results: Newly generated pMHC-II complexes are present in small clusters on the DC surface. Conclusion: pMHC-II clusters permit efficient T cell activation. Significance: The appearance of clustered pMHC-II reveals the organization of the T cell antigen receptor ligand on the DC surface. Copyright © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.