Abstract

Each of the human CD1 proteins takes a different route through secretory and endocytic compartments before finally arriving at the cell surface, where these proteins present glycolipid antigens to T cells. Recent studies have shown that adaptor-protein complexes and CD1-associated chaperones control not only CD1 trafficking, but also the development and activation of CD1-restricted T cells. This indicates that CD1 proteins, similar to MHC class I and II molecules, selectively acquire certain antigens in distinct cellular subcompartments. Here, we summarize evidence supporting the hypothesis that CD1 proteins use separate, but parallel, pathways to survey endosomal compartments differentially for lipid antigens.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
   Email: bmoody@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Forchheimer Building, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
   Email: porcelli@aecom.yu.edu