T-Cell Receptors (TCRs) recognise and bind to complexes composed of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules and specific peptides expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells.
T cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on the surface of T cells specifically recognise and bind to complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and peptide fragments expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. While it was once believed that antigen-specific T cells could be detected using soluble MHC/peptide complexes, monomeric MHC/peptide complexes proved to be impractical due to their instability and low affinity to the TCR.
To overcome this difficulty, MHC/peptide monomers are biotinylated and tetramerised with streptavidin to maintain stable binding to multiple TCR, enabling MHC/peptide tetramers to be used as detection tools. MHC tetramers are labeled with fluorescent molecules including phycoerythrin (PE), allophycocyanin (APC), or Brilliant Violet™ 421 (BV421) and thus allow detection of antigen-specific T cells by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.
Class I MHC Tetramers
CD8+ T cells, also called cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), recognise complexes of MHC class I molecules and peptides. CTLs directly kill target cells including virus-infected and cancer cells.
Greater Specificity: The α3 mutation – Exclusive to MBL Tetramers
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is the name of the major histocompatibility complex in humans. CD8 molecules are known to assist binding of HLA to CTL in vivo and thus HLA molecules have binding sites for CD8 molecules. MHC Tetramers from MBL have a unique patented mutation of the α3 domain in their HLA class I tetramers, providing a greater specificity for the antigen-specific T cell receptor.
Class I Available Alleles
Human:
Mouse:
| H-2 Kd | H-2 Dd | H-2 Ld |
| H-2 Kb | H-2 Db | |
| H-2 Kk | H-2 Dk |
Rhesus Macaque:
Mamu-A*01
Mauritian Cyno:
Mafa-A1*063
Mafa-B*104:01
Human-Mouse Chimera:
A2Kb
A24Kb
Interested in learning more? Click here to view our Tetramer FAQs!
MBL International have also produced a handy tetramer staining guide. Please contact us if you would like us to send you a copy.
MHC Class I Tetramers from MBL International are distributed exclusively in the United Kingdom & ROI by Caltag Medsystems. For further information about any of their products, please contact us at techsupport@caltagmedsystems.co.uk or call 01280 827460.