A critical molecular interaction during assembly of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules takes place between the heavy chain and the transporter-associated with antigen-processing (TAP) complex. The recent mapping of regions of the heavy chain involved in the binding to TAP suggests a complex molecular interaction essential for the cell surface expression of the MHC class I. The advances made in understanding the TAP-MHC class I interaction are reviewed and discussed here.
S. Vukmanovic, Michael Heidelberger Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, and Kaplan Coprehensive Cancer Center, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA