Structure-activity studies of CTL inhibitory peptides derived from HLA Class I molecules

A series of dimeric peptides derived from a conserved HLA Class I hexapeptide sequence have been synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit T cell-mediated lysis and to disrupt membranes. Structure-activity studies of the C-N/N-C dimer show that activity is especially sensitive to substitution of isoleucine residues. The results further define and delimit the basis for activity by HLA-derived peptides.