The effect of viruses on the ability to present antigens via the major histocompatibility complex

Vicki B. Peters, Kirk E. Sperber

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe viral pathogens that cause significant human disease by their ability to interfere with the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. Herpesviruses and papillomaviruses encode gene products that interfere with the class I pathway of antigen processing and/or peptide translocation. Adenoviruses encode unique gene products that interfere with transport of class I molecules. Influenza virus, measles virus, and HIV interfere with the class II pathway by either suppressing the production of class II molecules or impeding antigen trafficking. Cytomegalovirus interferes with both class I and class II pathways. Better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to further insight into the pathogenesis of viral infections and allow for improved treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)335-345
Number of pages11
JournalMicrobes and Infection
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1999

Keywords

  • Antigen presentation
  • Major histocompatibility complex
  • Viral pathogenesis

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