ATGs help MHC class II, but inhibit MHC class I antigen presentation

We have recently shown that the LC3/Atg8 lipidation machinery of macroautophagy is involved in the internalization of MHC class I molecules. Decreased internalization in the absence of ATG5 or ATG7 leads to MHC class I surface stabilization on dendritic cells and macrophages, resulting in elevated CD8⁺ T cell responses during viral infections and improved immune control. Here, we discuss how the autophagic machinery supports MHC class II restricted antigen presentation, while compromising MHC class I presentation via internalization and degradation.