Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Use of Single Chain MHC Technology to Investigate Co-agonism in Human CD8+ T Cell Activation
Published on: February 28, 2019
A correlation between TCR Valpha docking on MHC and CD8 dependence: implications for T cell selection
Jennifer Buslepp1, Huanchen Wang, William E Biddison
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Abstract:
T cell receptors (TCR) adopt a similar orientation when binding with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, yet the biological mechanism that generates this similar TCR orientation remains obscure. We show here the cocrystallographic structure of a mouse TCR bound to a human MHC molecule not seen by the TCR during thymic development. The orientation of this xenoreactive murine TCR atop human MHC deviates from the typical orientation more than any previously determined TCR/MHC structure. This unique orientation is solely due to the placement of the TCR Valpha domain on the MHC. In light of new information provided by this structure, we have reanalyzed the existing TCR/MHC cocrystal structures and discovered unique features of TCR Valpha domain position on class I MHC that correlate with CD8 dependence. Finally, we propose that the orientation seen in TCR recognition of MHC is a consequence of selection during T cell development.
More Related Videos
10:13Tailoring In Vivo Cytotoxicity Assays to Study Immunodominance in Tumor-specific CD8+ T Cell Responses
Published on: May 6, 2019
08:10Simultaneous Quantification of Anti-vector and Anti-transgene-Specific CD8+ T Cells Via MHC I Tetramer Staining After Vaccination with a Viral Vector
Published on: November 28, 2018
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.