A comparative approach linking molecular dynamics of altered peptide ligands and MHC with in vivo immune responses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The recognition of peptide in the context of MHC by T lymphocytes is a critical step in the initiation of an adaptive immune response. However, the molecular nature of the interaction between peptide and MHC and how it influences T cell responsiveness is not fully understood.

Results

We analyzed the immunological consequences of the interaction of MHC class II (I-Au) restricted 11-mer peptides of myelin basic protein with amino acid substitutions at position 4. These mutant peptides differ in MHC binding affinity, CD4+ T cell priming, and alter the severity of peptide-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Using molecular dynamics, a computational method of quantifying intrinsic movements of proteins at high resolution, we investigated conformational cha

SUBMITTER: Knapp B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2906508 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature