HLA-E binding

A method of identifying a compound affecting the binding of HLA-E to CD94/NKG2 receptors, which method comprises:

• (i) providing cells expressing a CD94/NKG2 receptor at the cell surface, wherein the NKG2 member is selected from a group consisting of NKG2A, NKG2B, NKG2C, NKG2E, and NKG2F;
• (ii) contacting the cells with HLA-E in the presence of a test compound;
• and
• (iii) determining whether the presence of the compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells.

A method for screening and producing an identified compound which affects the binding of HLA-E to CD94/NKG2 receptors, which method comprises:

• (i) selecting a test compound for screening;
• (ii) providing cells expressing a CD94/NKG2 receptor at the cell surface, wherein the NKG2 member is selected from a group consisting of NKG2A, NKG2B, NKG2C, NKG2E, and NKG2F;
• (iii) contacting the cells with HLA-E in the presence of the test compound;
• (iv) determining whether the presence of the test compound affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells thereby providing an identified compound;
• and
• (v) producing the identified compound which affects the binding of HLA-E to the cells.