C > U mutations generate immunogenic peptides in SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT: The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide has given rise to numerous variants. While the impact of viral mutations on antibody escape has been extensively studied, an unresolved issue concerns how emerging mutations shape HLA-restricted T-cell immune responses. Here, we analyse SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants, showing that 27% of the mutations are C > U transitions, a phenomenon common in human RNA viruses and primarily attributed to APOBEC3 enzyme-driven mutagenesis. We find that this mutation bias generally enhances viral peptide binding to human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules, producing immunogenic epitopes that trigger cytotoxic adaptive immune responses in most individuals across diverse populations. We also identify several HLA-I variants that are especially well-suited for p

SUBMITTER: Balogh GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12630872 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature