Sunol Molecular Corporation

Altor Bioscience Corporation

Martin Burkhardt

Hing C Wong

Jin-an Jiao

Peter R Rhode

Peter Rhode

Jorge L Acevedo

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

MHC complexes and uses thereof

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to single chain MHC class II complexes that include a class II &#x3b2;2 chain modification, e.g., deletion of essentially the entire class II &#x3b2;2 chain. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II which comprise an immunoglobin constant chain or fragment. Further provided are polyspecific MHC complexes comprising at least one single chain MHC class II molecule. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

Soluble MHC complexes and methods of use thereof

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocomability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

MHC molecules and uses thereof

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to single chain MHC class II complexes that include a class II &bgr;2 chain modification, e.g., deletion of essentially the entire class II &bgr;2 chain. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II which comprise an immunoglobin constant chain or fragment. Further provided are polyspecific MHC complexes comprising at least one single chain MHC class II molecule. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

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Miami, FL, United States of America

Martin Burkhardt