INVARIANT CHAIN - ROLE AND FUNCTION INT H E IMMUNE-RESPONSE

Invariant chain is a monomorphic protein, closely associated to the ma jor histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, that exists i n multiple forms encoded by a single gene. Ten years after its discove ry, the role of the invariant chain in immune response has been establ ished. In vitro experiments have shown its role in the assembly of the MHC class II alpha and beta chains and in their transport from the en doplasmic reticulum to the endosomes. In addition, the involvement of the invariant chain in antigen presentation by MHC class II has been d emonstrated for the majority of antigens. Recently, the creation of in variant chain deficient mice confirmed in vitro studies and now allows for further investigation of its in vivo function.