title: Recognition of a novel naturally processed, A2 restricted, HCV-NS4 epitope triggers IFN-gamma release in absence of detectable cytopathicity.
abstract: Using short term CTL lines derived from HLA A2/Kb transgenic mice and IFN-gamma release assays we demonstrate that the NS4.1769 epitope, is generated from natural processing of the NS4 antigen, and presented in the context of the A2/Kb molecules. Interestingly, T cell recognition of the naturally processed form of the NS4. 1769 epitope was associated with significant IFN-gamma release, but no direct cytolytic activity. Epitopes of this phenotype might be of interest, in terms of therapy of chronic HCV infection by associating the benefit of localized lymphokine release with low or absent direct cytopathicity.
authors.affiliation: Epimmune Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA. jalexander@epimmune.com
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Del Guercio
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Fikes
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Chesnut
authors.forename: F V
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Chisari
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Appella
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sette
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D002857:Chromium / Q000378:metabolism; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins; D002857:Chromium; D007371:Interferon-gamma