Artificial antigen-presenting cells as a tool to exploit the immune 'synapse'

Recent progress in molecular medicine has provided important tools to identify antigen-specific T cells. In most cases, the approach is based on oligomeric combinations of recombinant major histocompatibility complex-peptide complexes fixed to various rigid supports available for binding by the T-cell receptor(1-8). These tools have greatly increased our insight into mechanisms of immune responses mediated by CD8(+) T cells(1,2). Examples of the diverse fields of application for this technology include immunization, viral infections and oral tolerance induction(1-6).