Identification and validation of shrimp-tropomyosin specific CD4 T cell epitopes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shellfish allergy is an immune-mediated adverse reaction to allergenic shellfish and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. CD4 T cell responses play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of sensitization and in production of IgE.

Objective

We sought to identify and validate CD4 T cell shrimp tropomyosin-derived epitopes and characterize CD4 T cell responses in subjects with a clinical history of shellfish allergy.

Method

Using an in vitro MHC-peptide binding assay, we screened 91 overlapping peptides and identified 28 epitopes with moderate and strong binding capacities; 3 additional peptides were included based on MHC binding prediction score. These peptides were then examined in proliferation and cytokine release assays

SUBMITTER: Ravkov EV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3870591 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature