Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing a compound for biological activity, which method comprises providing cells expressing one of the CD94/NKG2 family of receptors, contacting the cells with recombinant HLA-E under binding conditions in the presence of the test compound, and determining whether the presence of the compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells. The HLA-E property of binding to CD94/NKG2 receptors on NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T cells is useful for targeting CD94/NKG2+ cells for a variety of purposes such as identification, isolation, killing or inactivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing a compound for biological activity, which method comprises providing cells expressing one of the CD94/NKG2 family of receptors, contacting the cells with recombinant HLA-E under binding conditions in the presence of the test compound, and determining whether the presence of the compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells. The HLA-E property of binding to CD94/NKG2 receptors on NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T cells is useful for targeting CD94/NKG2+ cells for a variety of purposes such as identification, isolation, killing or inactivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing a compound for biological activity, which method comprises providing cells expressing one of the CD94/NKG2 family of receptors, contacting the cells with recombinant HLA-E under binding conditions in the presence of the test compound, and determining whether the presence of the compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells. The HLA-E property of binding to CD94/NKG2 receptors on NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T cells is useful for targeting CD94/NKG2+ cells for a variety of purposes such as identification, isolation, killing or inactivation.

Abstract: Peptides are described which have the amino acid sequence of a fragment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which interacts specifically with a particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule, to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity. Such fragments can be used in a potential vaccine against AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), and for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method of detecting in a sample CTL specific for a particular virus, e.g. HIV, comprises contacting the sample with a support carrying immobilized antibodies to a surface antigen on T cells; separating the support and attached materials; contacting the separated support with target cells matched to the HLA type of the source of the sample and with HLA matched peptide epitope of the virus that interacts with the CTL of interest; and monitoring lysis of the target cells.