CD1E
Description
The CD1E (CD1e molecule) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The human CD1E gene encodes a protein called CD1e, which is a member of the CD1 family of transmembrane glycoproteins. CD1 proteins are similar in structure to MHC proteins and form complexes with beta-2-microglobulin. Their primary function is to present lipid and glycolipid antigens, both self and microbial, to T cells. The human genome houses five CD1 genes clustered on chromosome 1. Each CD1 family member likely has distinct cellular localization and specificity for lipid ligands. CD1E is found in Golgi compartments, endosomes, and lysosomes and can be cleaved into a stable soluble form. This soluble form is required for processing certain glycolipids within cells to a form that can be presented by other CD1 family members. Multiple transcript variants, which encode different isoforms, have been observed. Additional transcript variants have been identified, but their biological significance remains unclear.
The soluble form of CD1E binds diacetylated lipids, including phosphatidyl inositides and diacylated sulfoglycolipids, and is essential for presenting glycolipid antigens on the cell surface. The membrane-associated form is inactive. This information is based on experimental evidence from multiple publications (PubMed:10948205, PubMed:16311334, PubMed:21788486).
CD1E is also known as CD1A, R2.
