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Immunomodulatory function of major histocompatibility complex-derived peptides
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Recent advances with regard to the structure and function of the major histocompatibility molecules have given rise to a better understanding of T cell receptor interaction with the major histocompatibility complex plus peptide complex on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, and have highlighted the pivotal role of the peptide in determining the subsequent T cell response. There has therefore been increased interest in the use of synthetic peptides to alter T cell responses to foreign antigens. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent studies which demonstrate the potential immunomodulatory functions of peptides derived from major histocompatibility complex molecules.
Recent advances with regard to the structure and function of the major histocompatibility molecules have given rise to a better understanding of T cell receptor interaction with the major histocompatibility complex plus peptide complex on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, and have highlighted the pivotal role of the peptide in determining the subsequent T cell response. There has therefore been increased interest in the use of synthetic peptides to alter T cell responses to foreign antigens. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent studies which demonstrate the potential immunomodulatory functions of peptides derived from major histocompatibility complex molecules.