Antigen Processing and Recognition

This book provides a state-of-the-art review of the processing, presentation, and subsequent recognition of antigens by T cells. Topics discussed include the structure of MHC molecules, the nature and specificity of human class II molecule interactions with peptide antigens, the class II invariant chain, antigen processing and presentation by class I MHC molecules, the biology of antigen processing, and the presentation and role of accessory molecules in T cell recognition. Other chapters feature discussions about the T cell allorecognition of MHC molecules, the recognition of minor antigens, and the concept of "superantigens." Color plates demonstrate the three-dimensional structure of MHC molecules and peptide antigen interaction with MHC molecules. Diagrams illustrate antigen presentation pathways, T cell receptor-MHC interaction and accessory molecule interactions. Antigen Processing and Recognition will be a valuable addition to the libraries of students and teachers of immunology, as well as cell biologists who are looking for a unified view of this rapidly expanding subject.

The Biology of Antigen Processing and Presentation (James McCluskey, Rozanne Blok, Andrew Brooks, Weisan Chen, Dawn Kanost, and Lars Kjer-Nielsen). Structure and Function of Major Histocompatibility Complex Molecules (Russel D. Salter). Nature and Specificity of Human Class II Molecule Interactions with Peptide Antigens (Alessandro Sette, Deirdre O'Sullivan, and Howard Grey). Antigen Processing and Presentation by Class I MHC (Andrew J. McMichael, Brigitte A. Askonas, and Jeffrey A. Frelinger). Structural Correlates of MHC Class I Restricted Antigen Specific and Alloreactive Immunity (Sebastian Joyce, Thomas P.J. Garrett, Jan Geliebter, Rui Sun, and Stanley G. Nathenson). The Use of Soluble Proteins to Study Class I-Restricted Processing, Presentation, and T Cell Development (Francis R. Carbone). The Nature of the Ligand Recognized by Alloreactive T Cells (Robert Lechler and Giovanna Lombardi). Is Allorecognition Really Anomalous? (David D. Eckels). The Definition and Expression of Minor Histocompatibility Antigens (Bruce E. Loveland and Kirsten Fischer Lindahl). Bacterial Superantigens (Karin J. Purdie, Keith Hudson and John D. Fraser). Molecular Analysis of the Class II Associated Invariant Chain (Norbert Koch, Ulrich Pessara, Klaus Schenck, and Christopher Wraight). Contribution of Accessory Molecules to MHC/Antigen Presentation: Role of CD2/LFA-3 Interactions in T Cell Recognition of Nominal Antigens (Shigeo Koyasu and Ellis L. Reinherz