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Polymorphic differences distinguishing MHC class I subtypes often permit the presentation of shared epitopes in conformationally identical formats but can affect T-cell repertoire selection, differentially impacting autoimmune susceptibilities and viral clearance in vivo. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not well understood. We performed structural, thermodynamic, and functional analyses of a conserved T-cell receptor (TCR) which is frequently expanded in response to a HIV-1 epitope when presented by HLA-B*5701 but is not selected by HLA-B*5703, which differs from HLA-B*5701 by two concealed polymorphisms. Our findings illustrate that although both HLA-B*57 subtypes display the epitope in structurally conserved formats, the impact of their polymorphic differences occurs directly as a consequence of TCR ligation, primarily because of peptide adjustments required for TCR binding, which involves the interplay of polymorphic residues and water molecules. These minor differences culminate in subtype-specific differential TCR-binding kinetics and cellular function. Our data demonstrate a potential mechanism whereby the most subtle MHC class I micropolymorphisms can influence TCR use and highlight their implications for disease outcomes.

Original publication

DOI

10.1073/pnas.1207896109

Type

Journal article

Journal

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Publication Date

11/12/2012

Volume

109

Pages

E3483 - E3492

Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence, Antigen-Presenting Cells, Crystallography, X-Ray, Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte, Genes, MHC Class I, HIV-1, HLA-B Antigens, Humans, Models, Molecular, Molecular Sequence Data, Polymorphism, Genetic, Protein Conformation, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, T-Lymphocytes, Thermodynamics