HLA Class I: Structure and Location

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) System. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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HLA Class I: Structure and Location

Class I molecules are composed of three heavy alpha chains from exons 2 and 3 on chromosome 6. These heavy alpha chains are noncovalently bound with ß2-microglobulin. The alpha 1 and 2 regions are the immunogenic portion of the HLA glycoprotein and form the peptide binding groove for antigen processing and loading. Class I molecules are anchored into the phospholipid bilayer membrane by a transmembranous tail with a carboxylic acid end.
8. Atropos235. "Schematic representation of MHC class I molecule, consisting of three α-domains and one β2-microglobulin molecule. The peptide-binding groove is situated between domains α1 and α2." Wikimedia Commons, 18 Mar 2007, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MHC_Class_1.svg

Schematic representation of MHC class I molecule, consisting of three a-domains and one ß2-microglobulin molecule. The peptide-binding groove is situated between domains a1 and a2 (8).