Screening and identification of HLA-A0201 restricted CTL epitope from hepatitis B virus X protein in vitro / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective:To identify the HLA-A0201 restricted CTL epitopes derived from hepatitis B virus X protein predicted by computer program and general principles in vitro.Methods:HBx gene sequences of Hepatitis B virus genotypes B/C and serotypes adw/adr,with the highest frequencies in Chinese,were computed and analyzed by screening service offered by Internet combined with peptide supermotif,extended motif and quantitative motif prediction.Four most ideal nine-peptides(HBx1,HBx2,HBx3,and HBx4)were selected as candidate peptides.Using flow cytometry,the fluorescence index of both control and experimental groups were detected and the 4 nine-peptides were evaluated with T2 binding assay and DC50 assay.Results:The nine-peptides VLCLRPVGA(HBx1),CLFKDWEEL(HBx2),VLHKRTLGL(HBx3)and HLSLRGLPV(HBx4)were selected as candidate targets.Among the 4 candidate peptides,HBx2 showed higher HLA-A0201 affinity and HBx2,HBx4 showed better stability.Conclusion:Our study indicates that CLFKDWEEL might be a potential HLA-A0201 restricted CTL epitope from hepatitis B virus X protein;further study is needed for verification of its immunity in vivo.