Measurement of peptide-MHC interactions in solution using the spin column filtration assay

• Published in: Current protocols in immunology Vol. Chapter 18; p. Unit 18.4
• Main Authors: Buus, S, Lise Lauemøller, S, Stryhn, A, Østergaard Pedersen, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2001
• Subjects: Animals; Binding Sites; Binding, Competitive; Cell Line, Transformed; Centrifugation - methods; Chromatography, Affinity; Chromatography, Gel - methods; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - chemistry; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - isolation & purification; Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes - chemistry; Kinetics; Mice; Peptides - chemistry; Peptides - metabolism; Protein Binding; Radioligand Assay - methods; Sensitivity and Specificity
• ISSN: 1934-368X
• DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im1804s31

This unit describes how peptide-MHC complexes can be generated in vitro using affinity-purified MHC and synthetic peptide. The unit first describes how the interaction between peptide and MHC interaction can be measured in an accurate, quantitative biochemical assay. This procedure has been optimized for efficient separation of free peptide and MHC-bound peptide through a novel principle, termed "gradient centrifugation." The first two support protocols describe how to set up a biochemical fluid-phase binding reaction between peptide and MHC class I and class II, respectively. Also, an alternative procedure for setting up a biochemical fluid phase binding reaction between beta(2)m and MHC class I is included. Finally a more versatile inhibition assay is described. The assay is simple and robust, and has several advantages compared to the classical gel-filtration assay, including increased sensitivity and throughput. It also demands fewer resources both in terms of unique reagents and labor, and it generates less hazardous waste. Thus, the spin column gel-filtration assay is ideal for routine work.