Identification of immunodominant epitopes derived from the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein that are recognized by human CD4 T cells.
Memory CD4 T-cell responses against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy blood donors with gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot (Elispot) assays. RSV-specific responses were detected in every donor at levels varying between 0.05 and 0.3% of CD4 T cells. For all donors tested, a considerable component of the CD4 T-cell response was directed against the fusion (F) protein of RSV. We characterized a set of 31 immunodominant antigenic peptides targeted by CD4 T cells in the context of the most prevalent HLA class II molecules within the Caucasian population. Most antigenic peptides were HLA-DR restricted, whereas two dominant DQ peptides were also identified. The antigenic peptides identified were located across the entire sequence of the F protein. Several peptides were presented by more than one major histocompatibility complex class II molecule. Furthermore, most donors recognized several F peptides. Detailed knowledge about immunodominant antigenic peptides will facilitate the ability to monitor CD4 T-cell responses in patients and the measurement of correlates of protection in vaccinated subjects.
van Bleek
Grada M
GM
Laboratory for Vaccine Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. G.vanbleek@wkz.azu.nl
Poelen
Martien C
MC
van der Most
Robbert
R
Brugghe
Humphrey F
HF
Timmermans
Hans A M
HA
Boog
Claire J
CJ
Hoogerhout
Peter
P
Otten
Henny G
HG
van Els
Cécile A C M
CA
D000328:Adult; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes; D014760:Viral Fusion Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins