Figure 3. DM mutants display functionally empty I- A^g7 molecules with markedly enhanced peptide-binding capabilities.

DM mutant (shown in red) and control wildtype (shown in black) splenocytes from B10.BR or NOD mouse strains were cultured for 5 hrs at 37°C with biotin-conjugated peptides or medium alone as indicated, stained with FITC-labelled avidin, and analysed by FACS. OVA 323–339 preferentially binds to I- A^g7, HEL 46–61 selectively binds to A^k molecules, whereas NOD DM mutants gain reactivity towards the lambda repressor cI peptide P12–26 (IP).