(1) Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, D-60439 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
Abstract:
The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a crucial element of the adaptive immune system, which translocates
proteasomal degradation products into the endoplasmic reticulum, for transfer of these peptides on major histocompatibility
complex (MHC) I molecules within a macromolecular peptide-loading complex. After loading and intracellular transport to the
cell surface, these peptide/MHC complexes are monitored by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. This review summarizes the structural
organization and function of the ABC transporter TAP. Furthermore, we discuss human diseases and viral evasion strategies
associated with TAP function.