CD4 T cells restricted to DRB1*15:01 recognize two Epstein-Barr virus glycoproteins capable of intracellular antigen presentation.

ABSTRACT: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the strongest environmental risk factor, and HLA-DR15 is the strongest genetic risk factor for MS. We employed computational methods and in vitro assays for CD4 T cell activation to investigate the DR15-restricted response to EBV. Using a machine learning-based HLA ligand predictor, the EBV glycoprotein B (gB) was predicted to be enriched in epitopes restricted to presentation by DRB1*15:01. In DR15-positive individuals, two epitopes comprised the major CD4 T cell response to gB. Surprisingly, the expression of recombinant gB in a DR15-homozygous B cell line or primary autologous B cells elicited a CD4 T cell response, indicating that intracellular gB was loaded

SUBMITTER: Drosu N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11536159 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature