MHC class II

By Hunter Martinez

Cluster of differentiation 74 (CD74) is an important integral membrane protein that serves as a chaperone for MHC class II molecules. CD74, also known as the invariant chain or Ii, is needed for the proper folding and trafficking of MHC class II in antigen presenting cells. CD74 serves as a scaffold for MHC class II assembly. During assembly CD74 blocks the peptide binding cleft of MHC class II to prevent binding of antigenic peptides.

The LAG3 protein belongs to the Ig superfamily and contains 4 extracellular Ig-like domains (D1-D4). This molecule plays an key role in the immune response through negative regulation of T-cell proliferation, function, and homeostasis. It is required for maximum natural and induced regulatory T-cell function. LAG3 is closely related to the T-cell co-receptor CD4, and like CD4, binds to MHC class II molecules - but with a significantly higher affinity. It is expressed exclusively in activated T- and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes.