FEATURES

DESCRIPTION

Also known as C2TA_HUMAN, CIITA, MHC2TA. Essential for transcriptional activity of the HLA class II promoter; activation is via the proximal promoter (PubMed:8402893, PubMed:7749984, PubMed:17493635, PubMed:16600381). Does not bind DNA (PubMed:8402893, PubMed:7749984, PubMed:17493635, PubMed:16600381). May act in a coactivator-like fashion through protein-protein interactions by contacting factors binding to the proximal MHC class II promoter, to elements of the transcription machinery, or both PubMed:8402893, PubMed:7749984, (PubMed:17493635, PubMed:16600381). Alternatively it may activate HLA class II transcription by modifying proteins that bind to the MHC class II promoter (PubMed:8402893, PubMed:7749984, PubMed:17493635, PubMed:16600381). Also mediates enhanced MHC class I transcription; the promoter element requirements for CIITA-mediated transcription are distinct from those of constitutive MHC class I transcription, and CIITA can functionally replace TAF1 at these genes. Activates CD74 transcription (PubMed:32855215). Exhibits intrinsic GTP-stimulated acetyltransferase activity (PubMed:11172716). Exhibits serine/threonine protein kinase activity: can phosphorylate the TFIID component TAF7, the RAP74 subunit of the general transcription factor TFIIF, histone H2B at 'Ser-37' and other histones (in vitro) (PubMed:24036077). Has antiviral activity against Ebola virus and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (PubMed:32855215). Induces resistance by up-regulation of the p41 isoform of CD74, which blocks cathepsin-mediated cleavage of viral glycoproteins, thereby preventing viral fusion (PubMed:32855215)., Exhibits dominant-negative suppression of MHC class II gene expression. Interacts with ZXDA and ZXDC (PubMed:17493635). Interacts with PML (isoform PML-2) (PubMed:23007646). Interacts with TAF7; interaction inhibits CIITA acetyltransferase activity, thereby repressing transcription (PubMed:20937824).

EXTERNAL LINKS

CIITA

MHC class II transactivator

CIITA

Molecular Synopsis