HLA-DP4 presents an immunodominant peptide from the RSV G protein to CD4 T cells

Virology. 2004 Sep 1;326(2):220-30. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.06.008.

Abstract

CD4 T cells play a crucial role during virus infections by producing antiviral cytokines and by regulating humoral and cellular immune responses. Unfortunately however, exaggerated CD4 T cell responses can cause significant immune-mediated disease as was observed during RSV infections in children previously vaccinated with a formalin-inactivated virus in the 1960s. It has been observed that vaccination with the G protein of RSV tends to prime mice for a similar Th2-mediated enhanced disease. Whether the G protein may play a role in enhanced disease in man is unclear. In the present study, we identified an immunodominant epitope in the conserved region of the G protein encompassing amino acid residues 162-175. This epitope is presented in the context of HLA-DPB1*0401 and DPB1*0402, the most prevalent HLA class II alleles. Importantly, in some patients, a mixed Th1/Th2 response against this epitope was found in bronchoalveolar lavage samples during primary RSV infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / analysis
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Epitope Mapping
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • HLA-DP Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / chemistry
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology*
  • Infant
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / immunology
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / blood
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • HLA-DP Antigens
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • HLA-DPB1 antigen
  • HLA-DPw4 antigen
  • Immunodominant Epitopes
  • Peptides
  • Viral Proteins