Structure of the human class I histocompatibility antigen, HLA-A2.
Bjorkman, P.J., Saper, M.A., Samraoui, B., Bennett, W.S., Strominger, J.L., Wiley, D.C.(1987) Nature 329: 506-512
- PubMed: 3309677 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/329506a0
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1HLA - PubMed Abstract: 
The class I histocompatibility antigen from human cell membranes has two structural motifs: the membrane-proximal end of the glycoprotein contains two domains with immunoglobulin-folds that are paired in a novel manner, and the region distal from the membrane is a platform of eight antiparallel beta-strands topped by alpha-helices. A large groove between the alpha-helices provides a binding site for processed foreign antigens. An unknown 'antigen' is found in this site in crystals of purified HLA-A2.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.