Accessory molecules for MHC class II peptide loading

Accessory molecules, such as HLA-DM and invariant chain, modulate the ligan ds bound to MHC class II molecules in antigen-presenting cells. Recent inve stigations, including gene targeting experiments, have shed light on the fu nctions of these molecules, their mechanisms of action, interactions with c lass II molecules, and the relationships with associated molecules such as tetraspanins and HLA-DO.