Abstract
In this report, we review a novel method for probing the membrane organization of T cells using dimeric major histocompatibility complexes (MHC), MHC-Ig. MHC-Ig complexes are useful reagents for quantitative analysis of binding data since their valency is controlled. These complexes can be easily labeled and loaded with a variety of peptides. A binding assay using these dimers and quantitative analysis of the MHC-Ig dimer-T cell binding curves is described in detail. Using this approach, we show that the organization of TCR on activated T cells is different from TCR organization on naïve T cells. The implications of these findings are discussed with regards to current models of T cell recognition. This analysis offers insight into how T cell controls their biological range of responsiveness. Specifically, these findings reveal the biophysical basis of the ability of activated T cells to recognize low amounts of antigen independent of costimulation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 93-106 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Immunological Methods |
Volume | 268 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2002 |
Keywords
- Binding assay
- Clusters
- Crosslinks
- Dimeric MHC
- Fusion constructs
- Lipid rafts
- MHC-Ig
- Sensitivity
- T cells
- TCR organization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology