AtaGenix Laboratories
AtaGenix Laboratories
AtaGenix provides custom MHC I complex preparation services for T-cell immunology research, vaccine evaluation, and immunotherapy discovery. Our HEK293-based co-expression platform produces natively folded, biotinylated MHC I heavy chain paired with β2-microglobulin — avoiding the misfolding and aggregation problems commonly seen with E. coli refolding approaches.
HEK293
Eukaryotic Expression
Native
Folding & Glycosylation
SPR + FACS
Functional QC
Tetramer
Ready-to-Use Format
The full service covers co-expression of biotinylated heavy chain + β2M, peptide loading with your target epitope, and tetramerization using fluorochrome-labeled streptavidin. Every complex is validated by SPR (binding kinetics) and FACS (T-cell staining) to confirm biological activity before delivery.
| Class | Structure | Function | T Cell Partner |
| MHC I | α chain + β2-microglobulin | Presents intracellular antigens (8–10 aa peptides) from viruses, tumors | CD8+ cytotoxic T cells |
| MHC II | α chain + β chain | Presents extracellular antigens (13–25 aa) from bacteria, pathogens | CD4+ helper T cells |
| MHC III | Complement, cytokines, HSPs | Innate immunity support, inflammation, immune signaling | N/A (non-presenting) |
Eukaryotic Advantage
HEK293 co-expression ensures native-like folding, proper disulfide bonds, and glycosylation — critical for functional peptide–MHC complexes. E. coli refolding often produces aggregated, non-functional material.
End-to-End Service
From heavy chain + β2M co-expression through peptide loading and fluorochrome-SA tetramerization — one project team handles everything. No need to coordinate multiple vendors.
Functional Validation Included
Every complex is QC'd by SPR (binding kinetics to TCR/peptide) and FACS (antigen-specific T-cell staining) before delivery. You get reagents that work, not just protein that runs on a gel.
AtaGenix's MHC I complex service uses HEK293 eukaryotic co-expression to produce natively folded, biotinylated MHC I heavy chain paired with β2-microglobulin. Target peptides are loaded to form stable pMHC monomers, then tetramerized with fluorochrome-labeled streptavidin for sensitive detection of antigen-specific T cells. All complexes are functionally validated by SPR and FACS before shipment. Applications include TCR-T cell therapy discovery, neoantigen screening, vaccine immunogenicity evaluation, and immune monitoring.
A 4-step pipeline from gene construct to functionally validated pMHC tetramer, all in eukaryotic expression for native folding.
01
Co-Expression
Biotinylated MHC I heavy chain
β2-microglobulin (B2M)
HEK293 co-transfection
02
Peptide Loading
Target epitope peptide
UV-mediated or exchange loading
pMHC monomer formation
03
Tetramerization
Fluorochrome-streptavidin
Biotin–SA assembly
PE, APC, BV421 options
04
QC & Delivery
SPR binding kinetics
FACS T-cell staining
SDS-PAGE, SEC, CoA
Service Scope
| ✓ HEK293 co-expression (heavy chain + B2M) | ✓ BirA site-specific biotinylation |
| ✓ Custom peptide loading (your epitope) | ✓ UV-exchange or direct loading protocols |
| ✓ Tetramerization (PE, APC, BV421 SA) | ✓ Multiple HLA alleles supported |
| ✓ SPR binding validation (KD measurement) | ✓ FACS staining on T-cell samples |
| ✓ QC: SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, endotoxin | ✓ Monomer or tetramer format delivery |
| Application | How pMHC Tetramers Help |
| TCR-T cell therapy discovery | Identify and sort antigen-specific T cells for TCR sequence recovery and functional validation |
| Neoantigen screening | Validate predicted neoepitopes by detecting cognate T-cell populations in patient samples |
| Vaccine immunogenicity | Quantify antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses post-vaccination in preclinical and clinical studies |
| Immune monitoring | Track antigen-specific T-cell kinetics during infection, treatment, or transplant rejection |
Need recombinant proteins or antibodies for your MHC project? Our HEK293 Transient platform produces heavy chain, B2M, and co-stimulatory molecules. Browse 260+ MHC/HLA reagents — including TCR-like antibodies and recombinant HLA proteins — in the abinScience MHC catalog.
Why use HEK293 instead of E. coli for MHC I production?
MHC I heavy chain requires proper disulfide bond formation and glycosylation to fold correctly and present peptides in a native conformation. E. coli-expressed MHC I typically requires in vitro refolding, which often results in low yields, aggregation, and inconsistent peptide loading efficiency. HEK293 co-expression produces properly folded monomers directly, with higher lot-to-lot consistency.
Which HLA alleles are supported?
We support the most commonly studied HLA-A and HLA-B alleles (e.g., HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*11:01, HLA-B*07:02, HLA-B*08:01). Custom alleles can be produced upon request — provide your allele sequence and we will assess feasibility within 2 business days.
Can I provide my own peptide for loading?
Yes. You can provide synthesized peptide or share your epitope sequence and we will synthesize it in-house. Peptide purity ≥95% (HPLC) is recommended for optimal loading efficiency and downstream T-cell staining performance.
What QC data is provided?
Every batch includes SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC (monomer/tetramer integrity), SPR binding kinetics (KD to reference TCR or peptide), and FACS staining data on positive-control T cells. A lot-specific CoA is shipped with every order.
Timelines depend on allele availability, peptide complexity, and tetramer format. Quote-based pricing. Contact us with your allele, peptide sequence, and intended application for a project assessment.
Contact Us
+86-27-6552-3339
info@atagenix.com
Building C, R & D Building, No. 666, Shendun 4th Road, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan
