MHC class I transactivator NLRC5 in host immunity, cancer and beyond.

The presentation of antigenic peptides by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules are crucial for activation of the adaptive immune system. The nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptor family member, CIITA and NLRC5 functions as the major transcriptional activator of MHC class II and class I gene expression, respectively. Since the identification of NLRC5 as the master regulator of MHC class I and class I related genes, there has been major advances in understanding the function of NLRC5 in infectious diseases and cancer. Here, we discuss the biological significance and mechanism of NLRC5-dependent MHC class I expression.