Antigen Processing and Presentation Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology)

Antigen processing and presentation, as a field, explores a broad range of protein interactions and functions, both intracellular (in the cytoplasm and in the endoplasmic reticulum) and at the cell surface (between T cells and MHC molecules). To investigate such a diverse array, it is necessary that biochemical, cell biology, and immunological techniques all be employed. The purpose of Antigen Processing and Presentation Protocols is therefore to detail the most up-to-date techniques being used in this burgeoning field. Such techniques include those used to question how MHC-binding peptides are generated, to test how peptides are delivered to MHC molecules, to analyze MHC peptide-binding patterns, and to assay the T-cell response to MHC/peptide. Antigen Processing and Presentation Protocols should aid both those new and those experienced in this area of research in extending the questions that can be asked and answered by the application of these current methods. For editorial assistance, I would like to thank Angela Beninga and Rachael Turnquist.

The processing and presentation of antigens by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is a crucial immunological phenomenon in infectious disease, malignancy, autoimmune disease, and transplantation. In Antigen Processing and Presentation Protocols, well-recognized and innovative experimentalists detail their cutting-edge methods for studying this complex process. Drawing on expertise from biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology, they describe step-by-step methods designed to question how MHC-binding peptides are generated, to test how peptides are delivered to MHC molecules, to analyze MHC peptide-binding patterns, and to assay the T cell response to the MHC/peptide complex. Each method is presented in sufficient detail to be readily reproducible and includes notes about potential pitfalls and tips on how to avoid failures. Emphasis is given those technical steps critical for experimental success that are often omitted from methods published in the primary literature.
Eminently accessible and state-of-the-art, Antigen Processing and Presentation Protocols provides both new and experienced investigators with highly practical tools that will extend the questions that can be asked, and effectively be answered, concerning antigen processing/presentation.