Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived DRB1*0101-restricted CD4 T-cell epitopes help in the development of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo

Vaccine. 2010 May 14;28(22):3818-26. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.03.026. Epub 2010 Mar 31.

Abstract

We previously identified two HLA-DRB1*0101-restricted epitopes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) and in HBV envelope proteins (preS2). To evaluated their help in the development of CD8+ T-cell responses, mice transgenic for human class I and class II HLA molecules were immunized with HBV-T helper constructs. The preS2 epitope favored a well-balanced response with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IFN-gamma, IL-2 and TNF-alpha. The response was focused on CD8+ T cells with the HBx epitope. Fine characterization of helper activities may meet clinical needs in terms of enhancing the potency of preventive or therapeutic polyepitope vaccines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Female
  • HLA-A Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Protein Precursors / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • HLA-A Antigens
  • HLA-DRB1 Chains
  • HLA-DRB1*01:01 antigen
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Interleukin-2
  • Protein Precursors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • presurface protein 2, hepatitis B surface antigen
  • Interferon-gamma