Non-immune functions of MHC class I glycoproteins in normal and malignant cells

D. Fishman, S. Elhyany, Shraga Segal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

MHC class I glycoproteins play a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses by presenting antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes and by regulating cytolytic activities of natural killer cells. Cells originating in malignant tumours are often characterized by a profound immune escape phenotype. This phenotype is frequently associated with alterations in MHC class I-related antigen processing and presentation that enable tumours to escape immune surveillance. However, it now becomes clear that MHC class I molecules do not only provide a mechanistic framework for the presentation of antigenic peptides but, rather, possess broader biological functions due to their ability to regulate cell-to-cell communication and receptor-mediated trans-membrane signal transduction. In the present review we made an attempt to reevaluate the significance of an altered MHC class I phenotype for tumour progression in view of the current state of knowledge concerning the aforementioned non-immune functions performed by these membrane glycoproteins.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-42
Number of pages8
JournalFolia Biologica
Volume50
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2004

Keywords

  • MHC
  • Signal transduction
  • Tumour

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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