MHC class III is a group of proteins belonging the class of major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Unlike other MHC types such as MHC class I and MHC class II, of which their structure and functions in immune response are well defined, MHC class III are poorly defined structurally and functionally. They are not involved in antigen binding (the process called antigen presentation, a classic function of MHC proteins). Only few of them are actually involved in immunity while many are signalling molecules in other cell communications. They are mainly known from their genes because their gene cluster is present between those of class I and class II. [1] The gene cluster was discovered when genes (specifically those of complement components C2, C4, and factor B) were found in between class I and class II genes on the short (p) arm of human chromosome 6. It was later found that it contains many genes for different signaling molecules such as tumour necrosis factors (TNFs) and heat shock proteins. More than 60 MHC class III genes are described, which is about 28% of the total MHC genes (224). [2] The region previously considered within MHC class III gene cluster that contains genes for TNFs is now known as MHC class IV [3] or inflammatory region. [4]
In contrast to other MHC proteins, MHC class III proteins are produced by liver cells (hepatocytes) and special white blood cells (macrophages), among others.
MHC class III genes are located on chromosome 6 (6p21.3) in humans. It covers 700 kb and contains 61 genes. The gene cluster is the most gene-dense region of the human genome. They are basically similar with those of other animals. The functions of many genes are yet unknown. [5] Many retroelements such as human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) and Alu elements are located in the cluster. [6] The region containing genes STK19(G11)/C4/Z/CYP21/X/Y, varying in size from 142 to 214 kb, is known as the most complex gene cluster in the human genome. [7]
MHC class III genes are similar in humans, mouse, frog ( Xenopus tropicalis ), and gray short-tailed opossum, but not all genes are common. For example, human NCR3 , MIC and MCCD1 are absent in mouse. Human NCR3 and LST1 are absent in opossum. [4] However, birds (chicken and quail) have only a single gene, which codes for a complement component gene (C4). [8] In fishes, the genes are distributed in different chromosomes. [9]
Lymphotoxin-beta (LT-beta) also known as tumor necrosis factor C (TNF-C) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LTB gene.
Spliceosome RNA helicase BAT1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the BAT1 gene.
Negative elongation factor E is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RDBP gene.
Natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NCR3 gene. NCR3 has also been designated as CD337 and as NKp30. NCR3 belongs to the family of NCR membrane receptors together with NCR1 (NKp46) and NCR2 (NKp44).
Heat shock 70 kDa protein 1L is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HSPA1L gene on chromosome 6. As a member of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family and a chaperone protein, it facilitates the proper folding of newly translated and misfolded proteins, as well as stabilize or degrade mutant proteins. Its functions contribute to biological processes including signal transduction, apoptosis, protein homeostasis, and cell growth and differentiation. It has been associated with an extensive number of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, cell senescence and aging, and Graft-versus-host disease.
Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PBX2 gene.
Large proline-rich protein BAT2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BAT2 gene.
Leukocyte-specific transcript 1 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LST1 gene.
CAMP responsive element binding protein-like 1, also known as CREBL1, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the CREBL1 gene.
Protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 11 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PPP1R11 gene.
Protein BAT5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BAT5 gene.
NF-kappa-B inhibitor-like protein 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NFKBIL1 gene.
Serine/threonine-protein kinase 19 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the STK19 gene.
Protein Dom3Z is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DOM3Z gene.
Transmembrane protein 222 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TMEM222 gene. One notable feature of the protein encoded by this gene is the presence of three predicted transmembrane domains. The TMEM222 protein is predicted to most likely localize to the secretory vesicles.
Protein BAT4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BAT4 gene.
Thymus-specific serine protease is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PRSS16 gene.
Complement component 4B (Chido blood group) is a kind of the Complement component 4 protein that in humans is encoded by the C4B gene.
Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus G6E (pseudogene) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LY6G6E gene.
RCCX is a complex, multiallelic, and tandem copy number variation (CNV) human DNA locus on chromosome 6p21.3, a cluster located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region. CNVs are segments of DNA that vary in copy number compared to a reference genome and play a significant role in human phenotypic variation and disease development. The RCCX cluster consists of one or more modules each having a series of genes close to each other: serine/threonine kinase 19 (STK19), complement 4 (C4), steroid 21-hydroxylase (CYP21), and tenascin-X (TNX).