Measurement of peptide-MHC interactions in solution using the spin column filtration assay

This unit describes how peptide-MHC complexes can be generated in vitro using affinity-purified MHC and synthetic peptide. The unit first describes how the interaction between peptide and MHC interaction can be measured in an accurate, quantitative biochemical assay. This procedure has been optimized for efficient separation of free peptide and MHC-bound peptide through a novel principle, termed "gradient centrifugation." The first two support protocols describe how to set up a biochemical fluid-phase binding reaction between peptide and MHC class I and class II, respectively. Also, an alternative procedure for setting up a biochemical fluid phase binding reaction between beta(2)m and MHC class I is included. Finally a more versatile inhibition assay is described. The assay is simple and robust, and has several advantages compared to the classical gel-filtration assay, including increased sensitivity and throughput. It also demands fewer resources both in terms of unique reagents and labor, and it generates less hazardous waste. Thus, the spin column gel-filtration assay is ideal for routine work.