We have developed model systems in which the binding of purified, genetically engineered, soluble analogues of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to immobilized antigenic peptides can be monitored in real time using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Synthetic analogues of several peptides known to bind different mouse and human MHC class I molecules were prepared with cysteine residues substituted at appropriate positions. The analogue peptides were immobilized via the bifunctional reagent N-gamma-maleimidobutyryloxy-succinimide to amino groups generated on the dextran-modified gold surface of a biosensor flow cell. Using this approach, each position in the sequence of an H-2Ld-specific viral peptide, pMCMV (YPHFMPTNL), was used for coupling, and the resulting surfaces were tested for binding of the soluble analogue of H-2Ld, H-2Lds. In accord with our previously described H-2Ld/pMCMV three-dimensional structural model, only those residues of the peptide that remain exposed following binding (positions 4-8) can be replaced by cysteine and used for coupling. Stable binding of soluble MHC class I molecules, H-2Lds, H-2Dds, H-2Kbs, and HLA-A2s to their respective immobilized cognate peptides was detected by SPR. Specificity of the peptide/MHC interaction was characterized both by direct binding using immobilized peptides and by competition with peptides in solution, and in general was consistent with known immunological reactivity. Some peptides bound not only their cognate MHC molecule, but others at lower apparent affinity. Measurement of real time binding of MHC class I molecules to peptides immobilized through specific side chains suggests the application of a similar approach to the study of the interaction of peptides with a wide variety of peptide-binding macromolecules.