HLA-E-dependent presentation of Mtb-derived antigen to human CD8+ T cells

J Exp Med. 2002 Dec 2;196(11):1473-81. doi: 10.1084/jem.20020609.

Abstract

Previous studies in mice and humans have suggested an important role for CD8+ T cells in host defense to Mtb. Recently, we have described human, Mtb-specific CD8+ cells that are neither HLA-A, B, or C nor group 1 CD1 restricted, and have found that these cells comprise the dominant CD8+ T cell response in latently infected individuals. In this report, three independent methods are used to demonstrate the ability of these cells to recognize Mtb-derived antigen in the context of the monomorphic HLA-E molecule. This is the first demonstration of the ability of HLA-E to present pathogen-derived antigen. Further definition of the HLA-E specific response may aid development of an effective vaccine against tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antigen Presentation*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Antigens, CD / physiology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology
  • HLA Antigens / physiology*
  • HLA-E Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Lectins, C-Type / physiology
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology*
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
  • Receptors, Immunologic / physiology
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Antigens, CD
  • HLA Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
  • Interferon-gamma