MHC class I-associated peptides identified from normal platelets and from individuals with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules bind and display peptide antigens on the cell surface. CD8(+) T lymphocytes recognize peptides in association with class I proteins to initiate a cytotoxic immune response. To understand the specificity of such immune responses and to facilitate the development of therapies for disease, it is important to identify MHC-presented peptides.

Characterization of major histocompatibility complex-associated peptides from a small volume of whole blood.

Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presents intracellular-derived peptides on the majority of cells within the human body. Intracellular proteins are degraded into peptides of 8-11 amino acids, allowing them to fit into the groove of an empty MHC class I molecule. Detection of MHC-associated peptides can be challenging with the major difficulty being the ability to obtain peptides in adequate concentration.