The actin-based motor protein myosin II regulates MHC class II trafficking and BCR-driven antigen presentation

J Cell Biol. 2007 Mar 26;176(7):1007-19. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200611147.

Abstract

Antigen (Ag) capture and presentation onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules by B lymphocytes is mediated by their surface Ag receptor (B cell receptor [BCR]). Therefore, the transport of vesicles that carry MHC class II and BCR-Ag complexes must be coordinated for them to converge for processing. In this study, we identify the actin-associated motor protein myosin II as being essential for this process. Myosin II is activated upon BCR engagement and associates with MHC class II-invariant chain complexes. Myosin II inhibition or depletion compromises the convergence and concentration of MHC class II and BCR-Ag complexes into lysosomes devoted to Ag processing. Accordingly, the formation of MHC class II-peptides and subsequent CD4 T cell activation are impaired in cells lacking myosin II activity. Therefore, myosin II emerges as a key motor protein in BCR-driven Ag processing and presentation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lysosomes / immunology
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Macromolecular Substances / immunology
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Myosin Type II / immunology
  • Myosin Type II / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism*
  • Transport Vesicles / immunology
  • Transport Vesicles / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Myosin Type II