Heat shock proteins (HSPS) are now established as playing major role in immunity often mediating such processes using properties in addition to their molecular chaperone functions. These roles in immunity can be intracellular, as HSP-derived peptides may be immunosuppressive when displayed in terms of MHC class I molecules on the cell surface. Paradoxically, extracellar HSPs carrying tumor antigens can function as vaccines and carry the antigens into cells, leading to expression of tumor epitopes on Class I and II molecules in APC.
We aim here to discuss these processes in terms of cell signaling by HSPs, surface receptors carrying the influence of the HSPs (Scavenger receptors, CD91, TLRs), membrane associated HSPs, influence of intracellular HSPs on antigen processing and mechanisms of release of HSPs from viable or necrotic cells.
Heat shock proteins (HSPS) are now established as playing major role in immunity often mediating such processes using properties in addition to their molecular chaperone functions. These roles in immunity can be intracellular, as HSP-derived peptides may be immunosuppressive when displayed in terms of MHC class I molecules on the cell surface. Paradoxically, extracellar HSPs carrying tumor antigens can function as vaccines and carry the antigens into cells, leading to expression of tumor epitopes on Class I and II molecules in APC.
We aim here to discuss these processes in terms of cell signaling by HSPs, surface receptors carrying the influence of the HSPs (Scavenger receptors, CD91, TLRs), membrane associated HSPs, influence of intracellular HSPs on antigen processing and mechanisms of release of HSPs from viable or necrotic cells.