Figure 7

Transport of RT1-E2^u molecules to the cell surface is affected by endoprotease inhibitors, and follows a similar pathway to that of the H2-K^k class Ia molecule. MHC molecules present at the surface of transfected L cells were denatured by a brief acid treatment (see M&M). After being washed, the cells were then returned to 37°C to allow expression of new molecules, either in tissue culture medium only, or in the presence of the indicated drugs. After 6 h, cell surface expression of the transfected RT1-E2^u was measured by flow cytometric analysis after staining with MRC OX-18 (striped columns), or of endogenous H2-K^k with 11-4-1 (black columns). Values used are based on means of fluorescence intensity, expressed as a percentage of re-expression compared to the cells recovering in tissue culture medium alone.