It is involved in the formation and transport of MHC class II peptide complexes for the generation of CD4+ T cell responses.

Without CLIP, MHC class II aggregates disassemble and/or denature in the endosomes, and proper antigen presentation is impaired.

[13] The Ii molecule might also prove to be useful as an adjuvant for a future vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, if this enhancing effect can be demonstrated to apply to the appropriate antigen(s).

Interaction between MIF cytokine and its cell membrane receptor CD74 activates pro-survival and proliferative pathways that protect against injury and promote healing in different parts of the body.

[22] The invariant chain was first described by Patricia P. Jones, Donal B. Murphy, Derek Hewgill, and Hugh McDevitt at Stanford.