Protein: Major histocompatibility complex class I-related gene protein (MHC class I-related gene protein) (Class I histocompatibility antigen-like protein) (Q8HWB0)
Organism: Mus musculus (Mouse)
Function: Antigen-presenting molecule specialized in displaying microbial pyrimidine-based metabolites to alpha-beta T cell receptors (TCR) on innate-type mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. In complex with B2M preferentially presents riboflavin-derived metabolites to semi-invariant TRAV1 TCRs on MAIT cells, guiding immune surveillance of the microbial metabolome at mucosal epithelial barriers. Signature pyrimidine-based microbial antigens are generated via non-enzymatic condensation of metabolite intermediates of the riboflavin pathway with by-products arising from other metabolic pathways such as glycolysis. Typical potent antigenic metabolites are 5-(2-oxoethylideneamino)-6-D-ribitylaminouracil (5-OE-RU) and 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-D-ribitylaminouracil (5-OP-RU), products of condensation of 5-amino-6-D-ribityaminouracil (5-A-RU) with glyoxal or methylglyoxal by-products, respectively. May present microbial antigens to various TRAV1-negative MAIT cell subsets, providing for unique recognition of diverse microbes, including pathogens that do not synthesize riboflavin. Upon antigen recognition, elicits rapid innate-type MAIT cell activation to eliminate pathogenic microbes by directly killing infected cells (By similarity). During T cell development, drives thymic selection and post-thymic terminal differentiation of MAIT cells in a process dependent on commensal microflora. Acts as an immune sensor of cancer cell metabolome. May present a tumor-specific or -associated metabolite essential for cancer cell survival to a pan-cancer TCR on a non-MAIT CD8-positive T cell clone, triggering T cell-mediated killing of a wide range of cancer cell types (By similarity).
Subcellular location: Cell membrane {ECO:0000269|PubMed:12794138}; Single-pass type I membrane protein {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}. Endoplasmic reticulum membrane {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}; Single-pass type I membrane protein {ECO:0000255}. Golgi apparatus membrane {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}; Single-pass type I membrane protein {ECO:0000255}. Early endosome membrane {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}; Single-pass type I membrane protein {ECO:0000255}. Late endosome membrane {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}; Single-pass type I membrane protein {ECO:0000255}. Note=In the absence of antigen remains within the endoplasmic reticulum where it acts as a metabolite sensor. Antigen binding triggers trafficking of the ternary complex to the plasma membrane. After presentation, most of these complexes are rapidly internalized and degraded via endocytosis. A small subset recycles via endosomes back to the plasma membrane and may thus acquire and present new antigens that do not efficiently reach the endoplasmic reticulum. {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q95460}.
Interaction partners:
- Beta-2-microglobulin
- T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 alpha chain
Sequence:
MMLLLPLLAVFLVKRSHTRTHSLRYFRLAVSDPGPVVPEFISVGYVDSHPITTYDSVTRQKEPKAPWMAENLAPDHWERYTQLLRGWQQTFKAELRHLQRHYNHSGLHTYQRMIGCELLEDGSTTGFLQYAYDGQDFIIFNKDTLSWLAMDYVAHITKQAWEANLHELQYQKNWLEEECIAWLKRFLEYGRDTLERTEHPVVRTTRKETFPGITTFFCRAHGFYPPEISMTWMKNGEEIAQEVDYGGVLPSGDGTYQTWLSVNLDPQSNDVYSCHVEHCGRQMVLEAPRESGDILRVSTISGTTILIIALAGVGVLIWRRSQELKEVMYQPTQVNEGSSPS