Characterisation of antigenic MHC Class I-restricted T cell epitopes in the glycoprotein of Ebolavirus
Characterisation of antigenic MHC Class I-restricted T cell epitopes in the glycoprotein of Ebolavirus
Ebolavirus is a pathogen capable of causing highly lethal haemorrhagic fever in humans. The envelope-displayed viral glycoprotein is the primary target of humoral immunity induced by both natural exposure and vaccination. The epitopes targeted by B cells have been thoroughly characterised by functional and structural analyses of the glycoprotein, GP, yet there is a paucity of information regarding the cellular immune response to Ebolavirus. To date, no T cell epitopes in the glycoprotein have been characterised in detail in humans. A recent Phase I clinical trial of a heterologous prime-boost vaccination regime with viral vectors encoding filovirus antigens elicited strong humoral and T cell responses in vaccinees. Using samples from this trial, the most frequently recognised peptide pools were studied in more detail to identify the minimal epitopes recognised by antigen-specific T cells and associated HLA-restrictions. Using IFNγ ELISPOT and flow cytometry, we characterised nine highly immunogenic T cell epitopes located on both the GP1 and GP2 subunits of the Ebolavirus GP. Epitope mapping revealed the location of these epitopes as presented on the mature virion. HLA-typing on all participants, combined with in silico epitope analysis, determined the likely MHC class I restriction elements. Thirteen HLA-A and -B alleles were predicted to present the identified epitopes, suggesting promiscuous recognition and induction of a broad immune response. The glycoprotein of Ebolavirus is highly immunogenic, inducing both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and we have shown here for the first time that these responses are associated with multiple HLA types. Delivery of this antigen using a heterologous prime-boost approach with ChAd3 and MVA is likely to be highly immunogenic in genetically diverse human populations, due to the induction of responses against multiple immunodominant epitopes.
- University of Oxford United Kingdom
- Technical University of Denmark Denmark
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
- University of Oxford
- Oxford University Finland
QH301-705.5, Histocompatibility Antigens Class I, Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte, Humans, /dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being; name=SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, Biology (General), Ebolavirus, Article, Glycoproteins
QH301-705.5, Histocompatibility Antigens Class I, Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte, Humans, /dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being; name=SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, Biology (General), Ebolavirus, Article, Glycoproteins
citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).11 popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.Top 10% influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).Average impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.Average
