An immunodominant HLA-A*1101-restricted CD8+ T-cell response targeting hepatitis B surface antigen in chronic hepatitis B patients

J Gen Virol. 2013 Dec;94(Pt 12):2717-2723. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.052167-0. Epub 2013 Aug 30.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. HBV-specific CD8(+) CTLs are vital for viral clearance. Identification of immunodominant CTL epitopes from HBV-associated antigens is necessary for therapeutic vaccine development. We showed that the HLA-A*1101 allele is one of the most common alleles in both healthy individuals and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in the Chongqing area, China. However, less than 10% of epitopes of HBV-associated antigens have been identified in an HLA-A*1101 context. Here, we describe an immunodominant CD8(+) T-cell response targeting a hepatitis B surface antigen determinant (HBs(295-304)) restricted by HLA-A*1101 in both healthy individuals and CHB patients. Moreover, HBs(295-304) is more immunogenic for CTL induction than a known naturally HLA-A*1101-processed epitope from hepatitis B core antigen (HBc(88-96)). Therefore, the newly identified epitope, HBs(295-304), will benefit the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for HBV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • China
  • HLA-A11 Antigen / genetics
  • HLA-A11 Antigen / metabolism*
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology*

Substances

  • HLA-A*11:01 antigen
  • HLA-A11 Antigen
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Immunodominant Epitopes