[PDF][PDF] Evidence that a single peptide–MHC complex on a target cell can elicit a cytolytic T cell response

Y Sykulev, M Joo, I Vturina, TJ Tsomides, HN Eisen - Immunity, 1996 - cell.com
Y Sykulev, M Joo, I Vturina, TJ Tsomides, HN Eisen
Immunity, 1996cell.com
Using a chemically homogeneous radiolabeled peptide of high specific activity (125 I-
QLSPYPFDL, 3.5× 10 18 cpm per mole) we show that at a peptide concentration (5 pM)
causing half-maximal lysis of target cells by a cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone that
recognizes the peptide in association with L d, a class I MHC protein, only 3 peptide
molecules on average are bound by L d per target cell. From the distribution of L d on the
target cells, we suggest that a single peptide–MHC complex per target cell can trigger …
Abstract
Using a chemically homogeneous radiolabeled peptide of high specific activity (125I-QLSPYPFDL, 3.5 × 1018 cpm per mole) we show that at a peptide concentration (5 pM) causing half-maximal lysis of target cells by a cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone that recognizes the peptide in association with Ld, a class I MHC protein, only 3 peptide molecules on average are bound by Ld per target cell. From the distribution of Ld on the target cells, we suggest that a single peptide–MHC complex per target cell can trigger activation of the T cell cytolytic response.
cell.com