Single T cell probes for antigen/MHC expression

T-cell receptor binding to the antigen/MHC ligand on the surface of antigen-presenting cells is the central event in T-cell activation. Methods have been developed for measuring this recognition event in single T cells and have allowed their use as ‘probes’ for antigen/MHC expression. Single cell assays have allowed analysis of early events in T-cell activation, and of unknown ligands recognized by the T-cell receptor.