Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases: biochemistry, physiology and pathology

J Biochem. 2013 Sep;154(3):219-28. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvt066. Epub 2013 Aug 14.

Abstract

The human endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP) 1 and 2 proteins were initially identified as homologues of human placental leucine aminopeptidase/insulin-regulated aminopeptidase. They are categorized as a unique class of proteases based on their subcellular localization on the luminal side of the endoplasmic reticulum. ERAPs play an important role in the N-terminal processing of the antigenic precursors that are presented on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. ERAPs are also implicated in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological phenomena and pathogenic conditions. In this review, the current knowledge on ERAPs is summarized.

Keywords: aminopeptidase; ankylosis spondylitis; antigen presentation; autoimmune diseases; endoplasmic reticulum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aminopeptidases / genetics*
  • Aminopeptidases / metabolism
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Crohn Disease / enzymology
  • Crohn Disease / genetics*
  • Crohn Disease / pathology
  • Cystinyl Aminopeptidase / genetics
  • Cystinyl Aminopeptidase / metabolism
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / enzymology*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Multiple Sclerosis / enzymology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Psoriasis / enzymology
  • Psoriasis / genetics*
  • Psoriasis / pathology

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Aminopeptidases
  • ERAP1 protein, human
  • ERAP2 protein, human
  • Cystinyl Aminopeptidase
  • leucyl-cystinyl aminopeptidase