Background
CD1 family molecules have a homologous structure to MHC class I. They are monomorphic proteins of 50 kDa non-covalently associated with b2-microglobulin. Human CD1a molecules are divided in 2 groups. Group 1 includes CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c, while group 2 consists of the CD1d molecule. CD1a is mainly expressed at the cell-surface and in recycling vesicles. CD1a occurs in Birbeck granules of Langerhans cells and plays a role in presentation of non-peptide antigens. CD1a is expressed in vitro on CD34+-generated DCs and on monocyte-derived DCs. (Burdin N. et al., 1999 Curr Opin Immunol, 11:326-31) |
