Biophysical studies of T-cell receptors and their ligands

Recently developed methodologies for the production of the soluble extracellular domains of αβTCRs have allowed several biophysical characterizations. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters associated with specific ligand interactions between the TCR and MHC—peptide complexes, as well as superantigens, are now being established. Crystallographic studies of isolated TCR fragments have yielded the structures of a Vα domain and the two extracellular domains of a β-chain. These investigations are beginning to allow a new visualization of antigen recognition and T-cell activation processes.