Analysis of MHC-presented peptides: applications in autoimmunity and vaccine development

T cells recognize antigenic peptides presented on the cell surface by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Here, Roman Chicz and Robert Urban describe the features of peptides bound to MHC molecules and the mechanism by which these surface proteins bind diverse peptide ligands with high affinity. In addition, they discuss the application of new technologies to the identification of MHC-associated peptides.