Mapping of CD8 T Cell Epitopes in Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus L Protein

Author(s)

Medina-Armenteros, Yordanka ^[1] ; Farinha-Arcieri, Luis E. ^[1] ; Braga, Catarina J. M. ^[1] ; Carromeu, Cassiano ^[1] ; Tamura, Rodrigo E. ^[1] ; Ventura, Armando M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Dept Microbiol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Intervirology; v. 57, n. 2 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objectives: Since it has been reported that in humans there is a relationship between human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and symptom reduction, and that the polymerase (structural L protein) is highly conserved among different strains, this work aimed to identify the CD8 T cell epitopes H-2(d) restricted within the L sequence for immunization purposes. Methods: We screened the hRSV strain A2 L protein sequence using two independent algorithms, SYFPEITHI and PRED/(BALB/c), to predict CD8 T cell epitopes. The selected peptides were synthesized and used to immunize BALB/c mice for the evaluation of T cell response. The production of IFN-gamma from splenocytes of hRSV-infected animals stimulated by these peptides was assayed by ELISPOT. Results: Nine peptides showing the best binding scores to the BALB/c MHC-I molecules (H-2K(d), L-d and D-d) were selected. Sequence homology analysis showed that these sequences are conserved among different hRSV strains. Two of these peptides induced significant IFN-gamma production by ex vivo-stimulated T cells. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the hRSV L protein contains H-2(d) restricted epitopes. (C) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/17587-9 - Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunization and molecular studies
• Grantee: Armando Morais Ventura
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants