![Human tetramers - Class II](https://www.clinisciences.com/nl/upload/thumbs/bandeau3-prphsq-8635d9.png)
Human tetramers - Class II
T cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on the surface of T cells specifically recognize and bind to complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and peptide fragments. CD4+ T cells, which include helper and regulatory T cells, recognize complexes of MHC class II molecules and peptide.
CD4+ T cells play an important role in health and diseases. Analysis of these cells has long been hampered by a lack of suitable assays. class II tetramers have become an important tool to investigate rare antigen-specific CD4+ T cells such as CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. In addition to monitoring disease progression and therapeutic intervention, class II tetramers can be used to study tolerance induction, vaccination efficacy, and autoimmunity.
![](/upload/preparation-classiitetramer-1-x6n5t9.jpg)
MHC tetramers are complexes of four MHC molecules, associated with a specific peptide and bound to a fluorochrome. Class II tetramers bind to a distinct population of CD4+ T cells.
MHC class II tetramer staining is more technically challenging than class I tetramer staining.
- Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells are more rare than antigen-specific CD8+ T cells
- Affinity between the T cell receptor and MHC/peptide complex is generally lower
- Acquisition of 100,000-200,000 CD4+ T cells is typically required
- Exclusion gating essential
- T cell expansion and/or pre-enrichment may be required