Cross-presentation
Cross-presentation (pronunciation: /krɒs prɛzənˈteɪʃən/) is a process in the immune system where certain antigen presenting cells (APCs) capture extracellular proteins, process them, and present them to T cells.
Etymology
The term "cross-presentation" is derived from the fact that this process allows extracellular proteins, which are typically presented by MHC class II molecules, to be presented by MHC class I molecules, thus "crossing" the usual presentation pathways.
Process
Cross-presentation begins when dendritic cells (DCs), a type of APC, capture extracellular proteins. These proteins are then processed into smaller peptides within the DC. The peptides are loaded onto MHC class I molecules and presented on the surface of the DC. This allows the DC to activate CD8+ T cells, which are typically involved in killing infected cells.
Significance
Cross-presentation is crucial for the immune response to viruses and tumors. It allows the immune system to recognize and respond to these threats even when they do not directly infect APCs. This process is also important for the development of immunity after vaccination.
Related Terms
- Antigen
- Antigen presenting cell
- Dendritic cell
- MHC class I
- MHC class II
- CD8+ T cell
- Virus
- Tumor
- Vaccination
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cross-presentation
- Wikipedia's article - Cross-presentation
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