HLA-DP4 presents an immunodominant peptide from the RSV G protein to CD4 T cells.
CD4 T cells play a crucial role during virus infections by producing antiviral cytokines and by regulating humoral and cellular immune responses. Unfortunately however, exaggerated CD4 T cell responses can cause significant immune-mediated disease as was observed during RSV infections in children previously vaccinated with a formalin-inactivated virus in the 1960s. It has been observed that vaccination with the G protein of RSV tends to prime mice for a similar Th2-mediated enhanced disease. Whether the G protein may play a role in enhanced disease in man is unclear. In the present study, we identified an immunodominant epitope in the conserved region of the G protein encompassing amino acid residues 162-175. This epitope is presented in the context of HLA-DPB1*0401 and DPB1*0402, the most prevalent HLA class II alleles. Importantly, in some patients, a mixed Th1/Th2 response against this epitope was found in bronchoalveolar lavage samples during primary RSV infections.
Division of Pediatrics, The Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Patricia M A
PM
de Graaff
Jojanneke
J
Heidema
Martien C
MC
Poelen
Mariska E A
ME
van Dijk
Michael V
MV
Lukens
Sjef P J
SP
van Gestel
Judith
J
Reinders
Erik
E
Rozemuller
Marcel
M
Tilanus
Peter
P
Hoogerhout
Cecile A C M
CA
van Els
Robbert G
RG
van der Most
Jan L L
JL
Kimpen
Grada M
GM
van Bleek
D000328:Adult; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018604:Epitope Mapping; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D006682:HLA-DP Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D059868:HLA-DP beta-Chains; D006801:Humans; D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D007223:Infant; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D006682:HLA-DP Antigens; D059868:HLA-DP beta-Chains; C071170:HLA-DPB1 antigen; C056284:HLA-DPw4 antigen; D016056:Immunodominant Epitopes; D010455:Peptides; D014764:Viral Proteins