Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules present tightly binding peptides on the cell surface for recognition by cytotoxic T cells. Here, the authors present the crystal structures of a disulfide-stabilized human MHC class I molecule in the peptide-free state and bound with dipeptides, and find that peptide binding is accompanied by concerted conformational switches of the amino acid side chains in the binding pockets.
- Raghavendra Anjanappa
- Maria Garcia-Alai
- Rob Meijers