An approach to the identification of T cell epitopes in the genomic era: application to Francisella tularensis.
The identification and characterization of epitopes is essential for modern immunologic studies. Here, we describe a novel methodology we have developed to identify T cell epitopes exploiting the phenomenon of cross presentation. Particulate antigens, in the form of beads, are very effective in delivering exogenous antigen to both the class I and class II pathways. We will review our efforts to screen entire genomes of pathogens for T cell epitopes taking advantage of the advances in genomics using Francisella tularensis as a model. By automating aspects of this technology we will be able to functionally screen the entire genome of F. tularensis for T cell epitopes. This technology should be applicable not only to F. tularensis, but also to many other pathogens as well.
Valentino
Michael
M
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642, USA.
Frelinger
John
J
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D018604:Epitope Mapping / Q000379:methods; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D005604:Francisella tularensis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016680:Genome, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014406:Tularemia / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte