IMPROVED MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX (MHC) MOLECULES

摘要

Processes for increasing antigen binding capacity by removing an antigen bound to the antigen-binding fragment of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule or a chain thereof are described. Such processes comprise treating an antigen-bound antigen-binding fragment of the MHC molecule with an unfolding agent to release undesired antigen from the antigen-binding fragment of the MHC molecule and then treating the antigen-free antigen-binding fragment of the MHC molecule or chain with an effective amount of a refolding agent to produce a functional antigen-binding fragment of the MHC molecule. Additionally, compositions of MHC molecules that are substantially free of undesired antigens or that have been bound with desired specific antigens, alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or cytotoxic agents, are described. The present invention has utility for therapeutic administrations, drug screening, and diagnostics.