Background of the antigen
MHC Class I molecules play a central role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. MHC class I antigens are heterodimers consisting of one alpha chain (44kDa) with beta 2 microglobulin (11.5 kDa). The antigen is expressed by all somatic cells at varying levels. MHC Class I molecules are expressed on most nucleated cells where they present endogenously synthesized antigenic peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes, which are usually cytotoxic T cells. Fibroblasts or neurons however only show a low level of antigen.