Populations of polypeptide variants based on a common scaffold, each polypeptide in the population comprising the scaffold amino acid sequence EXXXAXXEIX XLPNLTXXQX XAFIXKLXDD PSQSSELLSE AKKLNDSQ (SEQ ID NO: 1) or AKYAKEXXXAXX EIXXLPNLTX XQXXAFIXKL XDDPSQSSEL LSEAKKLNDS Q (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein each X individually corresponds to an amino acid residue which is varied in the population are disclosed. Also populations of polynucleotides, wherein each member encodes a member of a polypeptide population are disclosed. Furthermore, combinations of such polypeptide populations and such polynucleotide populations are disclosed, wherein each member of polypeptide population is physically or spatially associated with the polynucleotide encoding that member via means for genotype-phenotype coupling.

The present invention discloses methods and platforms for generating protein binding proteins with specificity for native peptide-MHC (pMHC) complexes. The pMHC binding proteins can be used in bi-specific antibodies or for generating CAR T cells capable of binding to peptides bound to specific MHC alleles.

A novel method for displaying proteins and peptides is disclosed in which individual proteins or peptides remain associated with the DNA encoding them. Proteins or peptides can be generated by in vitro translation of DNA templates, either free in solution or arrayed on a solid support, such that the proteins or peptides remain immobilized on their DNA templates. In particular, high throughput sequencing can be combined with high throughput functional characterization of encoded proteins and peptides, wherein the identity of each protein or peptide is determined by DNA sequencing, and functional studies are carried out directly on each protein or peptide while immobilized on the DNA template encoding it. The methods of the invention should find numerous applications, for example, in high throughput genetic or pharmacological screening, epitope mapping, and protein engineering and directed evolution.