Transient accumulation of new class II MHC molecules in a novel endocytic compartment in B lymphocytes

Abstract

Endocytosis of antigen by antigen-presenting cells results in the production of peptides that bind to newly synthesized class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. A new population of class II-enriched vesicles has been discovered in B lymphocytes that accumulate internalized antigen but are distinct from endosomes and lysosomes. These vesicles also transiently accumulate newly synthesized class II and class II-peptide complexes and appear to be a compartment specialized for the transport and loading of class II molecules.