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Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Immunopeptidomics: Isolation of Mouse and Human MHC Class I- and II-Associated Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: October 15, 2021
Expanded test method for peptides >2 kDa employing immunoaffinity purification and LC-HRMS/MS
Andreas Thomas1, Katja Walpurgis1, Laura Tretzel1
1Center for Preventive Doping Research and Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
A new method efficiently detects performance-enhancing bioactive peptides, including insulins and growth hormones, in athlete samples. This combined approach uses ultrafiltration, immunoaffinity purification, UHPLC, and mass spectrometry for comprehensive sports drug testing.
Area of Science:
- Sports science and anti-doping analytics.
- Biochemistry and analytical chemistry.
Background:
- Bioactive peptides (2-12 kDa) are crucial in sports drug testing for performance enhancement.
- Examples include growth hormone-releasing hormones, insulins, ACTH, IGF-I, and mechano growth factors.
- Efficient, comprehensive, and cost-effective doping control methods are in demand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a combined analytical method for detecting various bioactive peptides in doping control.
- To establish a single procedure for high-throughput and comprehensive analysis of performance-enhancing peptides.
Main Methods:
- Ultrafiltration for analyte pre-concentration.
- Immunoaffinity purification using paramagnetic beads.
- Nano-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation.
- High-resolution tandem mass spectrometry for detection.
Main Results:
- The method is applicable to both blood and urine samples.
- Validation demonstrated specificity, recovery (11-69%), linearity, imprecision (<25%), and defined limits of detection (5-100 pg in urine, 0.1-2 ng in plasma).
- Proof-of-principle confirmed by analyzing administration study samples for specific peptides (e.g., insulin degludec, synacthen).
Conclusions:
- A validated, multi-analyte method using UHPLC-MS/MS is effective for sports drug testing.
- The method offers a comprehensive and efficient approach to detect a range of bioactive peptides.
- This technique supports robust anti-doping efforts in sports.
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