The major histocompatibility complex is the subject of much research in the immunology area. There is great interest in the structure of MHC proteins and in their function as antigen presenting molecules. Many immunology labs are now faced with the prospect of tackling biochemical and genetic techniques in order to study these molecules. The identification of the peptide transporter genes and the elution of peptides from MHC molecules demonstrate how rapidly our understanding of the structure and function of the MHC locus has advanced. This volume from the "Practical Approach" series brings together the technologies which facilitate the advances that are being made. It has detailed explanations of processes such as peptide translocation into the ER, the application of mass spectrometry to the analysis of peptides bound to MHC, and signal detection via MHC class II molecules which can lead to either activation or programmed cell death. It is complemented by "MHC 2: A Practical Approach", which covers genes, cells and molecules.

Author Biography

Dr Nelson Fernandez, Dept of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK. Tel: 01206 873330. Fax: 01206 872592. Email: nelson@essex.ac.uk Dr Geoff Butcher, Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, UK