title: Soluble HLA-A2.1 restricted peptides that are recognized by influenza virus specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
abstract: The influenza A virus matrix protein derived peptide with amino acids 57-68 (Lys-Gly-Ileu-Leu-Gly-Phe-Val-Phe-Thr-Leu-Thr-Val) is recognized by influenza virus HLA-A2 restricted CTL. Because of the large number of hydrophobic residues this peptide is very insoluble. Substitution with a number of polar amino acids resulted in a soluble peptide (Lys-Lys-Ala-Leu-Gly-Phe-Val-Phe-Thr-Leu-Asp-Lys) that was very effective in sensitizing HLA-A2 positive target cells. Further substitution of threonine in position 65 with lysine resulted in a soluble antagonist peptide that inhibited sensitization. Both agonist and antagonist peptides retained 20% of their biological activity when tyrosine was added at the N terminus. Soluble radio-iodinated peptides can now be prepared that will be useful reagents to study the interaction of peptides and class I molecules.
authors.affiliation: Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bednarek
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Engl
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gammon
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lindquist
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Zweerink
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D015789:HLA-A2 Antigen / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000276:immunology*; D012995:Solubility; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D013912:Threonine; D014443:Tyrosine
chemical_list: D015789:HLA-A2 Antigen; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013912:Threonine; D014443:Tyrosine