T-Cell Surface Glycoprotein CD1b (CD1B) Protein

Background

CD1B is a transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the CD1 family, which is structurally related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Encoded by the CD1B gene, it is primarily involved in the presentation of lipid and glycolipid antigens to T-cells, particularly a subset of T-cells known as invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT). CD1B molecules are critical for immune responses to mycobacterial and other pathogen-derived lipids. Unlike MHC molecules, CD1B specializes in presenting lipid-based antigens rather than peptide antigens. It is expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, monocytes, and certain thymocytes.