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. 1995 Aug 1;182(2):439–447. doi: 10.1084/jem.182.2.439

Dimerization of soluble major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes is sufficient for activation of T cell hybridoma and induction of unresponsiveness

PMCID: PMC2192121  PMID: 7629504

Abstract

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are cell- surface proteins that present peptides to CD8+ T cells. These peptides are mostly derived from endogenously synthesized protein. Recombinant, soluble MHC class I molecules were produced, purified, and loaded homogeneously with synthetic peptide. These MHC-peptide complexes were used to activate a T cell hybridoma. While monomers of MHC-peptide bound to the T cell, they showed no stimulatory activity. Dimers fully triggered the T cell hybridoma to secrete interleukin 2. This response was followed by a state in which the T cell was refractory to restimulation as a result of defective signal transduction through the T cell receptor.

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Selected References

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