Major contribution of codominant CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes to the human cytomegalovirus-specific T cell repertoire

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005 Jan;62(1):77-86. doi: 10.1007/s00018-004-4363-x.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection or reactivation is a cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. In immunocompetent individuals, in contrast, HCMV is successfully controlled by specific CD8 and CD4 T cells. Knowledge of CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes from HCMV and their immunodominant features is crucial for the generation of epitope-specific T cells for adoptive immunotherapy and for the development of a peptide-based HCMV vaccine. Therefore, we investigated the natural frequencies of a large number of CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes, including 10 novel ones. We determined several epitopes as immunodominant. Surprisingly, no clear hierarchies were found for CD8 T cell epitopes, indicating codominance. These results will be valuable for adoptive transfer strategies and support initiatives towards development of a peptide-based HCMV vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology*
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Vaccines, Subunit / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • Immunodominant Epitopes
  • Vaccines, Subunit
  • Viral Vaccines