HLA-DQA2

Human disease related genes

Membrane

Cell type enriched (Langerhans cells)

Not detected in immune cells

Not detected

Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit; also referred as MHC class II molecule. Dimer formation with HLA-DQB2, but not with HLA-DQB1, is required for efficient exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the ER, forms a heterononamer; 3 MHC class II molecules bind to a CD74 homotrimer (also known as invariant chain or HLA class II histocompatibility antigen gamma chain). In the endosomal/lysosomal system; CD74 undergoes sequential degradation by various proteases; leaving a small fragment termed CLIP on each MHC class II molecule. MHC class II molecule interacts with HLA_DM, and HLA_DO in B-cells, in order to release CLIP and facilitate the binding of antigenic peptides. Association with HLA-DMA also occurs in skin Langerhans cells, in post-Golgi compartments.