Disclosed are
MHC Class II constructs (CIICs) comprising DQ and DR
gene products that can present
peptide epitopes associated with cancers, allergies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., T1D and celiac
disease), GVHD, HGVD, and infections to
T cell receptors. The CIICs may also comprise sequences of immunomodulatory molecules (MODs) such as IL-2 or PD-L1 that can modulate receptors on the surface of T cells. CIICs are expressible at levels up to about 350 mg / I in culture, and are substantially stable to multiple freeze thaw cycles and to
thermal denaturation at 42° C. The stability of CIICs and their ability to present
peptide epitopes and MODs to T cells and their renders them useful as therapeutics for
in vitro and
in vivo methods of treating various cancers, allergies, autoimmune diseases (e.g., T1D and celiac
disease), GVHD, HGVD, and infections.