Abstract
Helper T lymphocytes that control CD8+ T-cell and antibody responses are key elements for the resolution of infection by the hepatitis B virus and for the development of effective immunological memory after hepatitis B vaccination. We have used H-2 class II-deficient mice that express the human MHC class II molecule, HLA-DR1, to identify novel hepatitis B virus envelope-derived T helper epitopes. We confirmed the immunogenicity of a previously described HLA-DR1-restricted epitope, and identified three novel epitopes. CD4+ T-cell immune responses against these epitopes were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-DR1+ individuals vaccinated against hepatitis B. We showed that subjects receiving the currently available hepatitis B vaccines do not develop cross-reactive T helper responses against one of the novel epitopes which are structurally variable between different hepatitis B virus subtypes. These findings highlight the need for developing vaccines against a wider range of viral subtypes, and establish humanized mice as a convenient tool for identifying new immunogenic epitopes from pathogens.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2783-2790 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Microbes and Infection |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 12-13 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 10 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HBsAg
- HLA-DR1
- Hepatitis B
- T-cell epitope
- Transgenic mice
- Vaccine