The role of endosomes in innate and adaptive immunity

Abstract

The regulation of the immune system is critical for the generation of effective immune responses to a range of pathogens, as well as for protection against unwanted responses. The regulation of many immune response pathways are directly dependent on the organisation and activities of intracellular endosomal compartments associated with cargo sorting, membrane trafficking and signalling. Over the last 5-10 years, the appreciation of the important contribution of the endosomal system has expanded dramatically to include antigen presentation of MHC class I, MHC class II and CD1 molecules, as well as the regulation of antigen receptor signalling and pattern recognition receptor signalling of the innate immune system. This review summarises some of the very diverse and key roles played by endosomes in generating effective innate and adaptive immune responses.

Keywords: Antigen presentation; Endosomes; Immune responses; Membrane trafficking; Receptor signalling; Toll-like receptors.