The invention relates to a kit comprising MHC Class I and Class II HLA-coated beads containing specific antigenic peptides for binding to antigen-specific T cells and the appropriate negative control peptides. Also provided are methods for making the coated beads and methods for use. The application of these beads go to the stimulation of peripheral blood cell populations and in vitro-stimulated culture for the elicitation of functional activities such as cell activation and signaling, cytokine secretion, proliferation and cytotoxicity activity.