MHC Tetramers- Human and Mouse Class II
Description:
T cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on the surface of T cells specifically recognize and bind to complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and peptide fragments. CD4+ T cells, which include helper and regulatory T cells, recognize distinct MHC class II molecules and peptide complexes. Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells are more rare than antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.
Class II tetramers have become an important tool to investigate rare antigen-specific CD4+ T cells such as CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. In addition to monitoring disease progression and therapeutic intervention, class II tetramers can be used to study tolerance induction, vaccination efficacy, and autoimmunity.
MHC class II tetramer staining is more technically challenging than class I tetramer staining due to the following reasons:
- Affinity between the T cell receptor and MHC/peptide complex is generally lower
- Acquisition of 100,000-200,000 CD4+ T cells is typically required
- Exclusion gating essential
- T cell expansion and/or pre-enrichment may be required
We offer MHC Class II tetramers for many species including human and mouse. If you do not see an item for your research, please contact us for personalized support.
