Publisher's Synopsis
The biological function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins is to bind short peptides derived from intracellular processing of both exogenous and endogenous proteins. These peptides are then presented to T cells and represent the antigenic universe accessible to the immune system. Recent technological advances have made it possible to isolate and characterize in detail these naturally processed peptide MHC ligands. This book includes contributions from the major groups involved in these studies and provides an opportunity for a journey through this new, fascinating for a of immunological research. It will be rewarding reading for immunologists, peptide chemists, biochemists and spectroscopists.