Recognition of Vitamin B precursors and byproducts by Mucosal Associated Invariant T cells

Sidonia B G Eckle, Alexandra J Corbett, Andrew Keller, Zhenjun Chen, Dale I Godfrey, Ligong Liu, Jeffrey Y M Mak, David P Fairlie, Jamie Rossjohn, James McCluskey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

106 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is essential for metabolic functions and is synthesized by many bacteria, yeast and plants, but not by mammals and other animals, which must acquire it from the diet. In mammals, modified pyrimidine intermediates from the microbial biosynthesis of riboflavin are recognized as signature biomarkers of microbial infection. This recognition occurs by specialized lymphocytes known as Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells. The Major Histocompatibility class I-like antigen presenting molecule, MR1, captures these pyrimidine intermediates, but only after their condensation with small molecules derived from glycolysis and other metabolic pathways to form short-lived antigens. The resulting MR1-Ag complexes are recognized by MAIT cell antigen receptors (alphabeta TCRs) and the subsequent MAIT cell immune responses are thought to protect the host from pathogens at mucosal surfaces. Here we review our understanding of how these novel antigens are generated and discuss their interactions with MR1 and MAIT TCRs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)30204 - 30211
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
Volume290
Issue number51
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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