Description: T lymphocytes recognize antigens only after they are broken down into peptides and displayed within the grooves of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Degradation of protein antigens into peptides requires a sequence of events referred to as "antigen processing". These peptides associate with MHC molecules within cells, and then the peptide/MHC complexes migrate to the cell membrane where they can bind to the receptors of T cells (an interaction called "antigen presentation"). This volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series covers applications useful to this new field. The book includes methods for examination of all aspects of antigen processing and presentation, including analysis of the generation of MHC-binding peptides, assay of peptide delivery to MHC molecules, identification of peptides that bind to MHC molecules, and testing of the T cell response to MHC/peptide. Detailed experimental protocols, as practiced currently in the leading laboratories, are described with the kind of technical tips and in-depth explanations that are not available in journal publications. These descriptions of up-to-date techniques will provide investigators with the tools to successfully extend their research in this exciting and rapidly growing area of immunology.

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