Immune surveillance via self digestion

The adaptive immune system is orchestrated by CD4+ T cells. These cells detect peptides presented on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules, which are loaded in late endosomes with products of lysosomal proteolysis. One pathway by which proteins gain access to degradation in lysosomes is macroautophagy. We recently showed that constitutive macroautophagy can be detected in cells relevant for the immune system, including dendritic cells. In these antigen presenting cells, autophagosomes frequently fused with MHC class II antigen loading compartments and targeting of Influenza matrix protein 1 (MP1) for macroautophagy enhanced MHC class II presentation to MP1-specific CD4+ T cell clones up to 20 fold. Our findings indicate that macroautophagy is a constitutive and efficient pathway of antigen delivery for MHC class II presentation. We suggest that this pathway samples intracellular proteins for immune surveillance and induction of tolerance in CD4+ T cells, and could be targeted for improved MHC class II presentation of vaccine antigens.     

Immune Surveillance via Self Digestion

The adaptive immune system is orchestrated by CD4⁺ T cells. These cells detect peptides presented on Major Histocompatiblity Complex (MHC) class II molecules, which are loaded in late endosomes with products of lysosomal proteolysis. One pathway by which proteins gain access to degradation in lysosomes is macroautophagy. We recently showed that constitutive macroautophagy can be detected in cells relevant for the immune system, including dendritic cells. In these antigen presenting cells, autophagosomes frequently fused with MHC class II antigen loading compartments and targeting of Influenza matrix protein 1 (MP1) for macroautophagy enhanced MHC class II presentation to MP1-specific CD4⁺ T cell clones up to 20 fold. Our findings indicate that macroautophagy is a constitutive and efficient pathway of antigen delivery for MHC class II presentation. We suggest that this pathway samples intracellular proteins for immune surveillance and induction of tolerance in CD4⁺ T cells, and could be targeted for improved MHC class II presentation of vaccine antigens.

Addendum to:

MHC Class II Antigen Loading Compartments Continuously Receive Input from Autophagosomes

Dorothee Schmid, Marc Pypaert and Christian Münz

Immunity 2006; In press     

TNF-alpha induces macroautophagy and regulates MHC class II expression in human skeletal muscle cells

Macroautophagy, a homeostatic process that shuttles cytoplasmic constituents into endosomal and lysosomal compartments, has recently been shown to deliver antigens for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Skeletal muscle fibers show a high level of constitutive macroautophagy and express MHC class II molecules upon immune activation. We found that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a monokine overexpressed in inflammatory myopathies, led to a marked up-regulation of macroautophagy in skeletal myocytes. Furthermore, TNF-α augmented surface expression of MHC class II molecules in interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-treated myoblasts. The synergistic effect of TNF-α and IFN-γ on the induction of MHC class II surface expression was not reflected by higher intracellular human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR levels and was reversed by macroautophagy inhibition, suggesting that TNF-α facilitates antigen processing via macroautophagy for more efficient MHC class II loading. Muscle biopsies from patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis, a well defined myopathy with chronic inflammation, showed that over 20% of fibers that contained autophagosomes costained for MHC class II molecules and that more than 40% of double-positive muscle fibers had contact with CD4(+) and CD8(+) immune cells. These findings establish a mechanism through which TNF-α regulates both macroautophagy and MHC class II expression and suggest that macroautophagy-mediated antigen presentation contributes to the immunological environment of the inflamed human skeletal muscle.     

Traffic of proteins and peptides across membranes for immunosurveillance by CD8(+) T lymphocytes: a topological challenge

Cytotoxic CD8(+) T lymphocytes kill infected cells that display major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules presenting peptides processed from pathogen proteins. In general, the peptides are proteolytically processed from newly made endogenous antigens in the cytosol and require translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for MHC class I loading. This last task is performed by the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP). Sampling of suspicious pathogen-derived proteins reaches beyond the cytosol, and MHC class I loading can occur in other secretory or endosomal compartments besides the ER. Peptides processed from exogenous antigens can also be presented by MHC class I molecules to CD8(+) T lymphocytes, in this case requiring delivery from the extracellular medium to the processing and MHC class I loading compartments. The endogenous or exogenous antigen can be processed before or after its transport to the site of MHC class I loading. Therefore, mechanisms that allow the full-length protein or processed peptides to cross several subcellular membranes are essential. This review deals with the different intracellular pathways that allow the traffic of antigens to compartments proficient in processing and loading of MHC class I molecules for presentation to CD8(+) T lymphocytes and highlights the need to molecularly identify the transporters involved.     

Autophagy and antigen presentation

CD4(+) T cells co-ordinate adaptive immunity and are required for immunological memory establishment and maintenance. They are thought to primarily recognize extracellular antigens, which are endocytosed, processed by lysosomal proteases and then presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. However, recent studies have demonstrated that viral, tumour and autoantigens can gain access to this antigen presentation pathway from within cells by autophagy. This review will discuss the autophagic pathways that contribute to endogenous MHC class II antigen processing. Furthermore, potential characteristics of autophagy substrates, qualifying them to access these pathways, and regulation of autophagy will be considered. Finally, I will suggest how antigen presentation after autophagy might contribute to immune surveillance of infected and transformed cells.     

Cytosol to lysosome transport of intracellular antigens during immune surveillance

The delivery of intracellular substrates such as misfolded proteins and damaged organelles from the cytosol to the lysosome for degradation is crucial for cell survival. Multiple transport pathways including bulk autophagy (microautophagy and macroautophagy) and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) have been identified to efficiently facilitate this transit of macromolecules from the cytoplasm to acidic vacuolar organelles. While autophagy plays a role in the general housekeeping of cells, it also functions in more specialized processes such as development and differentiation, responses to physiological stress and immunity. The presentation of both exogenous and endogenous antigens (Ag) by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules to CD4(+) T lymphocytes is critical for the induction of tolerance to self Ag as well as the development of immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors. Here, we discuss the class II-mediated presentation of several endogenous Ag, dependent on either macroautophagy or CMA for their transport from the cytosol to endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Thus, the various pathways of autophagy as routes of cytoplasmic Ag delivery to lysosomes have significant implications for the MHC class II-mediated immune response to intracellular pathogens and cancer.     

Antigens and autophagy: the path less travelled?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-coded nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1, a latent cycle protein endogenously expressed in EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), is reported to be processed for CD4(+) T cell recognition by an intracellular route involving antigen delivery to the endosome/lyosome (MHC class II loading) compartment via macroautophagy. In contrast we find that, in the same cell type, two other virus-coded nuclear proteins of the latent cycle, EBNA2 and EBNA3C, are processed by a different route that is unaffected by autophagy inhibition. This involves the intercellular transfer of an antigenic moiety, detectable in cell-free culture supernatants, and its uptake and processing as exogenous antigen by neighboring cells. The process is cumulative and leads over several days of LCL culture to high levels of CD4+ T cell epitope display. The presentation of certain EBV lytic cycle proteins to CD4+ T cells has also recently been found to involve a similar intercellular antigen transfer. It becomes important to know why, even in the same cell type, some antigens but not others appear to access the MHC class II presentation pathway by autophagy.     

Reactive oxygen species are essential mediators in antigen presentation by Kupffer cells

Kupffer cells (KC) act as APC in the liver and play a major role in the clearance of gut-derived antigens and pathogens entering the liver with portal venous blood. Antigen presentation by KC has been implicated in regulation of the local and systemic immune responses. In this study, modulation of KC antigen presentation by antioxidants and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as essential mediators of antigen presentation in KC were investigated. Co-culture of KC with ovalbumin (OVA) antigens resulted in upstream intracellular endogenous ROS generation and increased expression of MHC class II and costimulator molecules, and consequent OVA-specific CD4(+) T-cell proliferation in response to antigen presentation by KC. Scavenging of KC ROS by antioxidants, or blocking of KC ROS generation by specific inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and/or xanthine oxidase, or by specific inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, significantly decreased OVA-specific T-cell proliferation in response to antigen presentation by KC. Increased expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules in KC pulsed with OVA antigens was blocked by inhibiting ROS generation enzymatically. Intracellular endogenous ROS generation during antigen processing may therefore provide essential secondary signalling for KC antigen presentation.     

Ubiquitin-dependent control of class II MHC localization is dispensable for antigen presentation and antibody production

Controlled localization of class II MHC molecules is essential for proper class II MHC-restricted antigen presentation and the subsequent initiation of an adaptive immune response. Ubiquitination of class II MHC molecules on cytosolic lysine (K225) of the β-chain has been shown to affect localization of the complex. We generated mice in which the endogenous β-chain locus is replaced with a GFP tagged mutant version that lacks the cytosolic lysine residue (I-A-β-K225R-EGFP). These mice have elevated levels of class II MHC as compared to I-A-β-EGFP mice, and immature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells show redistribution of class II MHC to the cell surface. Nonetheless, in these same cells efficiency of antigen presentation is unaffected in I-A-β-K225R-EGFP mice, as assayed for presentation of ovalbumin to appropriately specific T cells. The I-A-β-K225R-EGFP animals have normal CD4 T cell populations and are capable of generating antigen-specific antibody in response to model antigens and viral infection. We therefore conclude that in our experimental system modulation of trafficking by ubiquitination of residue K225 of the β-chain is not essential for the function of class II MHC products in antigen presentation or antibody production.     

Existence of MHC class I-restricted alloreactive CD4+ T cells reacting with peptide transporter-deficient cells

It is generally accepted that as the result of positive thymic selection, CD8-expressing T cells recognize peptide antigens presented in the context of MHC class I molecules and CD4-expressing T cells interact with peptide antigens presented by MHC class II molecules. Here we report the generation of TCRalpha/beta(+), CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(-), MHC class I-restricted alloreactive T-cell clones which were induced using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals following in vitro stimulation with transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-deficient cell lines T2. The CD4(+) T-cell clones showed an HLA-A2.1-specific proliferative response against T2 cells which was inhibited by anti-CD3 and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. These results suggest that interaction of the TCR with peptide-bound HLA class I molecules contributes to antigen-specific activation of these co-receptor-mismatched T-cell clones. Antigen recognition by alloreactive MHC class I-restricted CD4(+) T cells was inhibited by removing peptides bound to HLA molecules on T2 cells suggesting that the alloreactive CD4(+) T cells recognize peptides that bind in a TAP-independent manner to HLA-A2 molecules. The existence of such MHC class I-restricted CD4(+) T cells which can recognize HLA-A2 molecules in the absence of TAP function may provide a basis for the development of immunotherapy against TAP-deficient tumor variants which would be tolerant to immunosurveillance by conventional MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes.     

Inhibition of HLA-DR assembly,transport, and loading by human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein US3: a novel mechanism for evading major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes persistent lifelong infections and replicates slowly. To withstand robust immunity, HCMV utilizes numerous immune evasion strategies. The HCMV gene cassette encoding US2 to US11 encodes four homologous glycoproteins, US2, US3, US6, and US11, that inhibit the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation pathway, probably inhibiting recognition by CD8(+) T lymphocytes. US2 also inhibits the MHC-II antigen presentation pathway, causing degradation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR-alpha and -DM-alpha and preventing recognition by CD4(+) T cells. We investigated the effects of seven of the US2 to US11 glycoproteins on the MHC-II pathway. Each of the glycoproteins was expressed by using replication-defective adenovirus vectors. In addition to US2, US3 inhibited recognition of antigen by CD4(+) T cells by a novel mechanism. US3 bound to class II alpha/beta complexes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), reducing their association with Ii. Class II molecules moved normally from the ER to the Golgi apparatus in US3-expressing cells but were not sorted efficiently to the class II loading compartment. As a consequence, formation of peptide-loaded class II complexes was reduced. We concluded that US3 and US2 can collaborate to inhibit class II-mediated presentation of endogenous HCMV antigens to CD4(+) T cells, allowing virus-infected cells to resist recognition by CD4(+) T cells.     

Leishmania amastigote target antigens: the challenge of a stealthy intracellular parasite

The development of a defined molecular vaccine against leishmaniasis involves the determination of candidate molecules that elicit protection against infection. As the amastigote stage is the developmental form found in the infected mammalian host, molecules specific to or upregulated in this stage represent potential antigenic vaccine targets. Diane McMahon-Pratt, Peter Kima and Lynn Soong summarize experiments which indicate that immunization with molecules upregulated in the amastigote stage can provide effective protection against infection. In the immunized host, both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells appear to be crucial to protection. Studies of antigen presentation of Leishmania-infected macrophages indicate that the amastigote stage can sequester endogenous leishmanial antigen from the major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II presentation pathway. However, evidence indicates that MHC class I presentation may be sustained in the infected macrophage. The effect of these findings on the design of a leishmanial vaccine are considered.     

Single-cell analysis of costimulation by B cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts demonstrates heterogeneity in responses of CD4(+) memory T cells.

Human endothelial cells (EC) express MHC class II molecules in vivo and are likely to be involved in presentation of antigens to CD4(+) T cells. We examined, at the single-cell level, EC presentation of superantigens to resting CD4(+) memory T cells. Within 2 h of adherence to class II+ EC early T cell activation is evidenced by translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), surface expression of CD69, and synthesis of IFN-gamma and IL-2. Naive T cells are not activated. T cell activation is dependent on the prior induction of MHC class II molecules on EC and is blocked by antibodies to LFA-3 (CD58). Our data place EC along a spectrum of antigen-presenting ability. Activated B cells and macrophages trigger more cells to express cytokines than do EC and at lower antigen concentrations; EC are in turn, superior to fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the concept of activation thresholds for cytokine synthesis within T cells also extends to earlier activation events: NFAT translocation is relatively easy to trigger, as is CD69 expression; fewer cells can be triggered to express IFN-gamma and fewer still to express IL-2. EC may, therefore, contribute to a graded immune response by inducing qualitatively and quantitatively different responses than professional APC.     

Proteasome-independent major histocompatibility complex class I cross-presentation mediated by papaya mosaic virus-like particles leads to expansion of specific human T cells

The development of versatile vaccine platforms is a priority that is recognized by health authorities worldwide; such platforms should induce both arms of the immune system, the humoral and cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte responses. In this study, we have established that a vaccine platform based on the coat protein of papaya mosaic virus (PapMV CP), previously shown to induce a humoral response, can induce major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cross-presentation of HLA-A*0201 epitopes from gp100, a melanoma antigen, and from influenza virus M1 matrix protein. PapMV proteins were able to assemble into stable virus-like particles (VLPs) in a crystalline and repetitive structure. When we pulsed HLA-A*0201+ antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with the recombinant PapMV FLU or gp100, we noted that antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were highly reactive to these APCs, demonstrating that the epitope from the VLPs were processed and loaded on the MHC class I complex. APCs were preincubated with two different proteasome inhibitors, which did not affect the efficiency of peptide presentation on MHC class I. Classical presentation from an endogenous antigen was abolished in the same conditions. Clearly, antigen presentation mediated by the PapMV system was proteasome independent. Finally, PapMV-pulsed APCs had the capacity to expand highly avid antigen-specific T cells against the influenza virus M1 HLA-A*0201 epitope when cocultured with autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This study demonstrates the potential of PapMV for MHC class I cross-presentation and for the expansion of human antigen-specific T cells. It makes VLPs from PapMV CP a very attractive platform to trigger cellular responses for vaccine development against chronic infectious diseases and cancers.     

MHC class II presentation of endogenous tumor antigen by cellular vaccines depends on the endocytic pathway but not H2-M

We have developed cell-based cancer vaccines that activate anti-tumor immunity by directly presenting endogenously synthesized tumor antigens to CD4⁺ T helper lymphocytes via MHC class II molecules. The vaccines are non-conventional antigen-presenting cells because they express MHC class II, do not express invariant chain or H-2M, and preferentially present endogenous antigen. To further improve therapeutic efficacy we have studied the intracellular trafficking pathway of MHC class II molecules in the vaccines using endoplasmic reticulum-localized lysozyme as a model antigen. Experiments using endocytic and cytosolic pathway inhibitors (chloroquine, primaquine, and brefeldin A) and protease inhibitors (lactacystin, LLnL, E64, and leupeptin) indicate antigen presentation depends on the endocytic pathway, although antigen degradation is not mediated by endosomal or proteasomal proteases. Because H2-M facilitates presentation of exogenous antigen via the endocytic pathway, we investigated whether transfection of vaccine cells with H-2M could potentiate endogenous antigen presentation. In contrast to its role in conventional antigen presentation, H-2M had no effect on endogenous antigen presentation by vaccine cells or on vaccine efficacy. These results suggest that antigen/MHC class II complexes in the vaccines may follow a novel route for processing and presentation and may produce a repertoire of class II-restricted peptides different from those presented by professional APC. The therapeutic efficacy of the vaccines, therefore, may reside in their ability to present novel tumor peptides, consequently activating tumor-specific CD4⁺ T cells that would not otherwise be activated.     

TAP1-deficiency does not alter atherosclerosis development in Apoe-/- mice

Antigen presenting cells (APC) have the ability to present both extra-cellular and intra-cellular antigens via MHC class I molecules to CD8(+) T cells. The cross presentation of extra-cellular antigens is reduced in mice with deficient Antigen Peptide Transporter 1 (TAP1)-dependent MHC class I antigen presentation, and these mice are characterized by a diminished CD8(+) T cell population. We have recently reported an increased activation of CD8(+) T cells in hypercholesterolemic Apoe(-/-) mice. Therefore, this study included TAP1-deficient Apoe(-/-) mice (Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-)) to test the atherogenicity of CD8(+) T cells and TAP1-dependent cross presentation in a hypercholesterolemic environment. As expected the CD8(+) T cell numbers were low in Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-) mice in comparison to Apoe(-/-) mice, constituting ~1% of the lymphocyte population. In spite of this there were no differences in the extent of atherosclerosis as assessed by en face Oil Red O staining of the aorta and cross-sections of the aortic root between Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-) and Apoe(-/-) mice. Moreover, no differences were detected in lesion infiltration of macrophages or CD3(+) T cells in Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-) compared to Apoe(-/-) mice. The CD3(+)CD4(+) T cell fraction was increased in Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-) mice, suggesting a compensation for the decreased CD8(+) T cell population. Interestingly, the fraction of CD8(+) effector memory T cells was increased but this appeared to have little impact on the atherosclerosis development.In conclusion, Apoe(-/-)Tap1(-/-) mice develop atherosclerosis equal to Apoe(-/-) mice, indicating a minor role for CD8(+) T cells and TAP1-dependent antigen presentation in the disease process.     

Exosomes derived from M. Bovis BCG infected macrophages activate antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo

Activation of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells is required for an effective immune response to an M. tuberculosis infection. However, infected macrophages are poor antigen presenting cells and may be spatially separated from recruited T cells, thus limiting antigen presentation within a granuloma. Our previous studies showed that infected macrophages release from cells small membrane-bound vesicles called exosomes which contain mycobacterial lipid components and showed that these exosomes could stimulate a pro-inflammatory response in na?ve macrophages. In the present study we demonstrate that exosomes stimulate both CD4(+) and CD8(+) splenic T cells isolated from mycobacteria-sensitized mice. Although the exosomes contain MHC I and II as well as costimulatory molecules, maximum stimulation of T cells required prior incubation of exosomes with antigen presenting cells. Exosomes isolated from M. bovis and M. tuberculosis infected macrophages also stimulated activation and maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Interestingly, intranasal administration of mice with exosomes isolated from M. bovis BCG infected macrophages induce the generation of memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. The isolated T cells also produced IFN-gamma upon restimulation with BCG antigens. The release of exosomes from infected macrophages may overcome some of the defects in antigen presentation associated with mycobacterial infections and we suggest that exosomes may be a promising M. tuberculosis vaccine candidate.     

Peptide specificity of thymic selection of CD4+CD25+ T cells.

The CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells can be found in the thymus, but their need to undergo positive and negative selection has been questioned. Instead, it has been hypothesized that CD4(+)CD25(+) cells mature following TCR binding to MHC backbone, to low abundant MHC/peptide complexes, or to class II MHC loaded with peripheral autoantigens. In all these circumstances, processes that are distinct from positive and negative selection would govern the provenance of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in the thymus. By comparing the development of CD4(+)CD25(-) and CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in mice expressing class II MHC molecules bound with one or many peptide(s), we show that the CD4(+)CD25(+) cells appear during natural selection of CD4(+) T cells. The proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in the population of CD4(+) thymocytes remains constant, and their total number reflects the complexity of selecting class II MHC/peptide complexes. Hence, thymic development of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells does not exclusively depend on the low-density, high-affinity MHC/peptide complexes or thymic presentation of peripheral self-Ags, but, rather, these cells are selected as a portion of the natural repertoire of CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore, while resistant to deletion mediated by endogenous superantigen(s), these cells were negatively selected on class II MHC/peptide complexes. We postulate that while the CD4(+)CD25(+) thymocytes are first detectable in the thymic medulla, their functional commitment occurs in the thymic cortex.     

The autophagy machinery restrains iNKT cell activation through CD1D1 internalization

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate T cells with powerful immune regulatory functions that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the CD1D protein. While iNKT cell-activating glycolipids are currently being explored for their efficacy to improve immunotherapy against infectious diseases and cancer, little is known about the mechanisms that control CD1D antigen presentation and iNKT cell activation in vivo. CD1D molecules survey endocytic pathways to bind lipid antigens in MHC class II-containing compartments (MIICs) before recycling to the plasma membrane. Autophagosomes intersect with MIICs and autophagy-related proteins are known to support antigen loading for increased CD4⁺ T cell immunity. Here, we report that mice with dendritic cell (DC)-specific deletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg5 showed better CD1D1-restricted glycolipid presentation in vivo. These effects led to enhanced iNKT cell cytokine production upon antigen recognition and lower bacterial loads during Sphingomonas paucimobilis infection. Enhanced iNKT cell activation was independent of receptor-mediated glycolipid uptake or costimulatory signals. Instead, loss of Atg5 in DCs impaired clathrin-dependent internalization of CD1D1 molecules via the adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2) and, thus, increased surface expression of stimulatory CD1D1-glycolipid complexes. These findings indicate that the autophagic machinery assists in the recruitment of AP2 to CD1D1 molecules resulting in attenuated iNKT cell activation, in contrast to the supporting role of macroautophagy in CD4⁺ T cell stimulation.     

Transport of Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide in MHC Class II tubules

Bacterial capsular polysaccharides are virulence factors and are considered T cell-independent antigens. However, the capsular polysaccharide Sp1 from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 has been shown to activate CD4(+) T cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-dependent manner. The mechanism of carbohydrate presentation to CD4(+) T cells is unknown. We show in live murine dendritic cells (DCs) that Sp1 translocates from lysosomal compartments to the plasma membrane in MHCII-positive tubules. Sp1 cell surface presentation results in reduction of self-peptide presentation without alteration of the MHCII self peptide repertoire. In DM-deficient mice, retrograde transport of Sp1/MHCII complexes resulting in T cell-dependent immune responses to the polysaccharide in vitro and in vivo is significantly reduced. The results demonstrate the capacity of a bacterial capsular polysaccharide antigen to use DC tubules as a vehicle for its transport as an MHCII/saccharide complex to the cell surface for the induction of T cell activation. Furthermore, retrograde transport requires the functional role of DM in self peptide-carbohydrate exchange. These observations open new opportunities for the design of vaccines against microbial encapsulated pathogens.