PROBING DEGENERACY IN T-CELL RECOGNITION USING PEPTIDE COMBINATORIAL LIBRARIES

Recent studies have demonstrated flexibility of the T-cell receptor (T CX) with respect to recognition of peptide bound to self major histoco mpatibility complex (MHC). With the introduction of peptide combinator ial libraries, it has become possible to dissect the extent of degener acy in T-cell recognition. On the basis of these novel findings, Bernh ard Hemmer and colleagues propose a conceptual framework for lymphocyt e selection and survival and the occurrence of autoimmunity.