Available Technology
MHC Class II Tetramers
Tech Summary
MHC II Tetramers are fluorescent conjugates containing four copies of Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHC II) proteins that can be bound by synthetic peptides. MHC IIs are cell surface proteins responsible for presenting antigen, in form of peptides, of self and non-self origin to helper T-cells (CD4+ T-cells). Many genetic variations of MHC II, called Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) types are found in humans. HLA types differ in peptide binding specificities and therefore have capacity to present different sets of peptides to the CD4+ T-cells. Each peptide-MHC II combination will be recognized by a unique set of CD4+ T-cells.
Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) have developed a method to express MHC II proteins in cell culture, form tetramers, and bind them with synthetic peptides. The peptide sequences and the HLA types can be customized based on researcher’s needs. MHC II tetramers are fluorescently tagged, such that the T cells that recognize a unique MHC II:antigen complex will also be fluorescently tagged. This allows detection and isolation of the CD4+ T cells based on the T-cell receptor specificity using flow cytometry.
MHC II tetramers are novel tool used to detect and isolate CD4+ T-cells based on antigen-specificity of the T-cell receptors. Tetramers have been an excellent tool for T cell receptor epitope mapping and antigen specific T-cell studies of autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and allergies, as well as viral infections. BRI offers the largest library of MHC II types, representing over 90% of HLA types found in the world.
MHC II tetramers with large diversity of HLA types are available from BRI for research purpose. HLA types as well as peptides bound to MHC II can be customized to meet research needs. Peptide-free MHC II tetramers are also available. Additional information and publications are available on the Tetramer Core Laboratory page.
Featured Publications
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Aug 2013
CD4+ T cells recognize unique and conserved 2009 H1N1 influenza hemagglutinin epitopes after natural infection and vaccination.
Int ImmunolYang J, James EA, Gates TJ , DeLong JH , LaFond RE , Malhotra U , Kwok WW -
Mar 2013
CD4+ T cells recognize diverse epitopes within GAD65: implications for repertoire development and diabetes monitoring.
ImmunologyYang J, James EA, Sanda S, Greenbaum CJ, Kwok WW -
May 2011
Ara h 1-reactive T cells in individuals with peanut allergy.
J Allergy Clin ImmunolDeLong JH, Simpson KH, Wambre E, James EA, Robinson D, Kwok WW -
Oct 2002
Use of class II tetramers for identification of CD4+ T cells.
J Immunol MethodsKwok WW, Ptacek NA, Liu AW, Buckner JH -
Mar 2003
Use of HLA class II tetramers in tracking antigen-specific T cells and mapping T-cell epitopes.
MethodsReijonen H, Kwok WW
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