Genes regulating MHC class I processing of antigen

The principal pathway of antigen processing that is associated with MHC class I involves three main steps: cytosolic peptide generation, peptide transport into the endoplasmic reticulum and peptide assembly with class I molecules. Recent advances suggest that additional cytosolic proteases complement the proteasome as a source of antigenic peptides. Peptide assembly involves several novel cofactors – including the proteins tapasin and ERp57, which may be important for stabilisation of empty class I molecules as well as quality control after peptide binding. Finally, genetic evidence suggests an important influence of an unidentified gene, in the MHC complex, on MHC class I processing.