Novel Strategies Using MHC Peptides

Abstract

Advances in our understanding of the structure and function of MHC molecules, the mechanisms of antigen processing and the molecular interactions occurring between the T cell receptor (TCR) complex and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complex have stimulated research into MHC-peptide based strategies of immunosuppression. We now know that MHC bound peptides play an important role in the T cell selection processes within the thymus, and in regulating the immune response to antigen in the periphery. Many of these bound peptides are derived from MHC molecules themselves. The appreciation of the role that the indirect allorecognition pathway plays in both acute and chronic rejection (see below) has further emphasised the pathological importance of these peptides. Investigation of the immunomodulatory effects of MHC peptides or their derivatives is therefore a logical strategy. This investigation has been greatly assisted by our ability to now efficiently synthesise peptides corresponding to sequences of specific regions of mammalian MHC molecules.