MHC class I bound to an immunodominant Theileria parva epitope demonstrates unconventional presentation to T cell receptors.

ABSTRACT: T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of peptide-MHC class I (pMHC) complexes is a crucial event in the adaptive immune response to pathogens. Peptide epitopes often display a strong dominance hierarchy, resulting in focusing of the response on a limited number of the most dominant epitopes. Such T cell responses may be additionally restricted by particular MHC alleles in preference to others. We have studied this poorly understood phenomenon using Theileria parva, a protozoan parasite that causes an often fatal lymphoproliferative disease in cattle. Despite its antigenic complexity, CD8+ T cell responses induced by infection with the parasite show profound immunodominance, as exemplified by the Tp1(214-224) epitope presented by the common and functionally important MHC class I allele N*01301.

SUBMITTER: Macdonald IK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2954893 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature