Chemical and Functional Analysis of MHC Class II-Restricted T Cell Epitopes

Abstract

Various aspects of antigen degradation and presentation are reviewed, in particular with respect to fragmentation of native vs. denatured proteins, different enzymatic machinery present in different cells and individuals, characterization of epitopes and their persistence on antigen-presenting cells as well as their capacity to interact with different MHC class II molecules. Finally, the structure of antigenic peptides is discussed.

Key Words:

• antigen presentation
• antigen degradation
• T cell epitope
• antigenic peptide
• class II MHC