# H-2D HETEROGENEITY: IMMUNOGENETIC & MOLECULAR STUDIES

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $248,253

## Abstract

Class I major histocompatibility molecules function as receptors that
bind immunogenic peptides and present them to cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Recent studies by us and others have shown that the expression of
certain class I molecules (e.g., Ld), or class I molecules on certain
mutant cell lines (e.g., RMA.S), can be specifically increased by
culture with peptide ligands.  These findings provide clear evidence
that class I molecules have accessible ligand binding sites.  Exploiting
this accessibility, we have:  1) developed a class I-ligand binding
assay, 2) discovered a monoclonal antibody specific for non-ligand
associated class I molecules, and 3) established an extensive panel of
peptide-specific, class I-restricted CTL clones.  Using these unique
resources we now propose to quantitate the specificity and
physical/chemical properties of the interaction of various class I
molecules with their respective ligands.  Furthermore, the role of
peptide ligand will be defined in the folding and assembly of nascent
class I molecules as well as the stabilization of surface class I
molecules.  With focus on recognition of Ld class I molecules,
structure-function analyses will also be performed.  New and existing
mutant molecules will be analyzed to identify key residues involved in
the interaction of the Ld molecule with ligand, T cell receptor, beta2m
and monoclonal antibodies that discriminate peptide association.  The
information obtained in this study will precisely define the role of
peptide ligand in the expression of class I molecules.  Such knowledge
is paramount to our complete understanding of the function of class I
molecules in the immune surveillance against virus-infected and
malignant cells.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129063
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019687-11
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L6NFUM28LQM5
- **Principal Investigator:** TED Howard HANSEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $248,253
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-09-01 → 1996-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129063

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129063, H-2D HETEROGENEITY: IMMUNOGENETIC & MOLECULAR STUDIES (5R01AI019687-11). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129063. Licensed CC0.

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