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.
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Received 12 August 2004; received after revision 24 September 2004; accepted 29 October 2004
† These authors contributed equally to this work.
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Nastke†, M.D., Herrgen†, L., Walter, S. et al. Major contribution of codominant CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes to the human cytomegalovirus-specific T cell repertoire. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 62, 77–86 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4363-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-004-4363-x