Development of a humanized HLA-A2.1/DP4 transgenic mouse model and the use of this model to map HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes of HBV envelope protein

PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e32247. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032247. Epub 2012 Mar 5.

Abstract

A new homozygous humanized transgenic mouse strain, HLA-A2.1(+/+)HLA-DP4(+/+) hCD4(+/+)mCD4(-/-)IAβ(-/-)β2m(-/-) (HLA-A2/DP4), was obtained by crossing the previously characterized HLA-A2(+/+)β2m(-/-) (A2) mouse and our previously created HLA-DP4(+/+) hCD4(+/+)mCD4(-/-)IAβ(-/-) (DP4) mouse. We confirmed that the transgenes (HLA-A2, HLA-DP4, hCD4) inherited from the parental A2 and DP4 mice are functional in the HLA-A2/DP4 mice. After immunizing HLA-A2/DP4 mice with a hepatitis B DNA vaccine, hepatitis B virus-specific antibodies, HLA-A2-restricted and HLA-DP4-restricted responses were observed to be similar to those in naturally infected humans. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that HLA-A2/DP4 transgenic mice can faithfully mimic human cellular responses. Furthermore, we reported four new HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes derived from HBsAg that were identified in both vaccinated HLA-A2/DP4 mice and HLA-DP4-positive human individuals. The HLA-A2/DP4 mouse model is a promising preclinical animal model carrying alleles present to more than a quarter of the human population. This model should facilitate the identification of novel HLA-A2- and HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes and vaccine development as well as the characterization of HLA-DP4-restricted responses against infection in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / genetics*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / immunology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Epitope Mapping / methods*
  • HLA-A2 Antigen / genetics*
  • HLA-A2 Antigen / immunology
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains / genetics*
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Phenotype
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Biomarkers
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • HLA-DP beta-Chains
  • HLA-DPw4 antigen
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines