title: High throughput T epitope mapping and vaccine development.
abstract: Mapping of antigenic peptide sequences from proteins of relevant pathogens recognized by T helper (Th) and by cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) is crucial for vaccine development. In fact, mapping of T-cell epitopes provides useful information for the design of peptide-based vaccines and of peptide libraries to monitor specific cellular immunity in protected individuals, patients and vaccinees. Nevertheless, epitope mapping is a challenging task. In fact, large panels of overlapping peptides need to be tested with lymphocytes to identify the sequences that induce a T-cell response. Since numerous peptide panels from antigenic proteins are to be screened, lymphocytes available from human subjects are a limiting factor. To overcome this limitation, high throughput (HTP) approaches based on miniaturization and automation of T-cell assays are needed. Here we consider the most recent applications of the HTP approach to T epitope mapping. The alternative or complementary use of in silico prediction and experimental epitope definition is discussed in the context of the recent literature. The currently used methods are described with special reference to the possibility of applying the HTP concept to make epitope mapping an easier procedure in terms of time, workload, reagents, cells and overall cost.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Advanced Biotechnology Center, 16132 Genoa, Italy. lipira@email.it
authors.forename: Giuseppina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li Pira
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ivaldi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moretti
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Manca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018604:Epitope Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D014612:Vaccines
chemical_list: D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D014612:Vaccines