Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to HLA class II molecules having a higher affinity for CD4 than naturally occurring HLA class II molecules. In certain aspects, the HLA class II molecule comprises a DP beta chain having (i) an amino acid other than leucine at a position corresponding to amino acid residue 112 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) an amino acid other than valine at a position corresponding to amino acid residue 141 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (iii) or both (i) and (ii). Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to nucleic acid molecules encoding the HLA class II molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecule, cells comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to HLA class II molecules having a higher affinity for CD4 than naturally occurring HLA class II molecules. In certain aspects, the HLA class II molecule comprises a DR beta chain having (i) an amino acid other than leucine at a position corresponding to amino acid residue 114 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) an amino acid other than valine at a position corresponding to amino acid residue 143 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (iii) or both (i) and (ii). Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to nucleic acid molecules encoding the HLA class II molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecule, cells comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.