The present invention provides of using multimeric MHC class II/peptide complexes. In one aspect, methods provided for identifying MHC class II- restricted immune epitopes of a predetermined polypeptide antigen. Methods f or identifying an immunostimulatory epitope for a predetermined polypeptide antigen are provided. In a related aspect, methods for screening a therapeut ic polypeptide agent for an MHC class II epitope are provided. In other aspects , methods for modulating T cells and for determining or monitoring an MHC clas s II-restricted immune status of a patient are also provided.
METHODS OF MHC CLASS II EPITOPE MAPPING, DETECTION OF AUTOIMMUNE T CELLS AND ANTIGENS, AND AUTOIMMUNE TREATMENT