Interaction of ERp57 and tapasin in the generation of MHC class I–peptide complexes

Antigen presentation by MHC class I molecules is necessary for CD8 T-cell activation. Optimal peptide loading onto MHC class I molecules occurs mainly in the peptide-loading complex in the endoplasmic reticulum. The identification of a covalent association between the thiol oxidoreductase ERp57 and tapasin, and its impact on the loading complex, are important recent developments in this field of research. In the absence of ERp57, the recruitment of MHC class I molecules into this complex by tapasin is greatly impaired both in the number of molecules and in their interaction time, suggesting a key structural role for the ERp57–tapasin association in the peptide-loading complex. The role of ERp57 as a thiol oxidoreductase in the peptide-loading complex remains, however, controversial and further research regarding this subject is required.