MHC Tetramers

MHC tetramers are comprised of four Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules coupled to a custom peptide. A conjugate for detection, such as a fluorophore, is also attached to facilitate staining via flow cytometry. Tetrameric MHC-peptide complexes interact with the T cell receptor and are thus used in the identification, quantification, and characterization of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo. MHC tetramers are of two types. MHC class I types present peptides from antigens to CD8+ T cells, whereas MHC class II types present to CD4+ T helper cells. MHC tetramers are highly specific, quantitative, compatible with fresh samples, and allow the processing of multiple samples. They can serve as useful tools for better insights into immunotherapy, T cell-mediated immunity, vaccine research, autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and more. Visit the supplier page for further details.