Specificity
MR1 (major histocompatibility complex, class I-related), also known as HLALS, is a 341 amino acid single-pass membrane protein that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as to the extracellular side of the cell membrane, and contains one Ig-like C1-type domain. Expressed ubiquitously, MR1 exists as a heterodimer with b-2-Microglobulin and plays an important role in antigen presentation, specifically in the development and expansion of mucosalassociated invariant T cells (MAITs). MAITs are located in the gut and are involved in monitoring flora levels, as well as in conveying distress signals to other areas of the body, indicating a role for MR1 in proper digestion and immune system function. MR1 exists as four alternatively spliced isoforms and is encoded by a gene which maps to human chromosome 1.
