@article {1155066,
	title = {Polysaccharide processing and presentation by the MHCII pathway},
	journal = {Cell},
	volume = {117},
	year = {2004},
	month = {2004 May 28},
	pages = {677-87},
	abstract = {The adaptive immune system functions through the combined action of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cells. Specifically, class I major histocompatibility complex antigen presentation to CD8(+) T cells is limited to proteosome-generated peptides from intracellular pathogens while the class II (MHCII) endocytic pathway presents only proteolytic peptides from extracellular pathogens to CD4(+) T cells. Carbohydrates have been thought to stimulate immune responses independently of T cells; however, zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs) from the capsules of some bacteria can activate CD4(+) T cells. Here we show that ZPSs are processed to low molecular weight carbohydrates by a nitric oxide-mediated mechanism and presented to T cells through the MHCII endocytic pathway. Furthermore, these carbohydrates bind to MHCII inside APCs for presentation to T cells. Our observations begin to elucidate the mechanisms by which some carbohydrates induce important immunologic responses through T cell activation, suggesting a fundamental shift in the MHCII presentation paradigm.},
	keywords = {Animals, Antigen Presentation, Antigen-Presenting Cells, Endocytosis, Histocompatibility Antigens Class II, Mice, Polysaccharides, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, T-Lymphocytes},
	author = {Cobb, Brian A and Wang, Qun and Tzianabos, Arthur O and Kasper, Dennis L}
}
