Analysis of Proteasome Generated Antigenic Peptides by Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) is today one of the most important analytical techniques in biosciences. The development of electro spray ionization (ESI) as a gentle ionization method, in which molecules are not destroyed, has revolutionized the analytic of peptides. MS is an ideal technique for detection and analysis of peptides generated by in vitro experiments using purified 20S proteasomes. It also provides a convenient and sensitive way to monitor the processing activity of enzymes. The combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ESI-MS allows the analysis of complex samples with separation in their specific constituents by LC and their subsequent detection by MS.