MHC COMPLEXES AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In particular, the invention relates to MHC fusion complexes that contain an MHC molecule with a peptided-binding groove and a presenting peptide covalently linked to the MHC protein. Fusion complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, methods of suppressing an immune response of a mammal and methods for inducing an immune response in a mammal.