Author Description

The major histocompatibility complex is the subject of much research in the immunology field. There is a great deal of interest in the structure of MHC proteins and in their function as antigen presenting molecules. An increasing number of immunology laboratories are preparing to investigatebiochemical 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. MCH1: A Practical Approachbrings 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 moleculeswhich can lead to either activation or programmed cell death. This book is a comprehensive and thorough guide to the fast growing and fascinating field of MHC research. Graduates, post doctorial researchers, academic staff and clinicians in the immunology field will find this book an invaluableaid.