Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis UVR8 photoreceptor modulates protein interactions and responses to UV-B radiation.

Exposure of plants to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation initiates transcriptional responses that modify metabolism, physiology and development to enhance viability in sunlight. Many of these regulatory responses to UV-B radiation are mediated by the photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8). Following photoreception, UVR8 interacts directly with multiple proteins to regulate gene expression, but the mechanisms that control differential protein binding to initiate distinct responses are unknown. Here we show that UVR8 is phosphorylated at several sites and that UV-B stimulates phosphorylation at Serine 402. Site-directed mutagenesis to mimic Serine 402 phosphorylation promotes binding of UVR8 to REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS (RUP) proteins, which negatively regulate UVR8 action. Complementation of the uvr8 mutant with phosphonull or phosphomimetic variants suggests that phosphorylation of Serine 402 modifies UVR8 activity and promotes flavonoid biosynthesis, a key UV-B-stimulated response that enhances plant protection and crop nutritional quality. This research provides a basis to understand how UVR8 interacts differentially with effector proteins to regulate plant responses to UV-B radiation.

The UV-A Receptor CRY-DASH1 Up- and Downregulates Proteins Involved in Different Plastidial Pathways.

Algae encode up to five different types of cryptochrome photoreceptors. So far, relatively little is known about the biological functions of the DASH (Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Synechocystis and Homo)-type cryptochromes. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii encodes two of them. CRY-DASH1 also called DCRY1 has its maximal absorption peak in the UV-A range. It is localized in the chloroplast and plays an important role in balancing the photosynthetic machinery. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of chloroplast proteins from wild type and a knockout mutant of CRY-DASH1 named cry-dash1mut, using label-free quantitative proteomics as well as immunoblotting. Our results show upregulation of enzymes involved in specific pathways in the mutant including key enzymes of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis consistent with increased levels of photosynthetic pigments in cry-dash1mut. There is also an increase in certain redox as well as photosystem I and II proteins, including D1. Strikingly, CRY-DASH1 is coregulated in a D1 deletion mutant, where its amount is increased. In contrast, key proteins of the central carbon metabolism, including glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, dark fermentation and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway are downregulated in cry-dash1mut. Similarly, enzymes of histidine biosynthesis are downregulated in cry-dash1mut leading to a reduction in the amount of free histidine. Yet, transcripts encoding for several of these proteins are at a similar level in the wild type and cry-dash1mut or even opposite. We show that CRY-DASH1 can bind to RNA, taking the psbA RNA encoding D1 as target. These data suggest that CRY-DASH1 regulates plastidial metabolic pathways at the posttranscriptional level.

Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Assisted by Partial Least-Squares Regression for Multi-Gas Measurements.

We report on the use of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) for multi-gas detection. Photoacoustic (PA) spectra of mixtures of water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) were measured in the mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range using a mid-infrared (MIR) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) light source. Highly overlapping absorption spectra are a common challenge for gas spectroscopy. To mitigate this, we used a partial least-squares regression (PLS) method to estimate the mixing ratio and concentrations of the individual gasses. The concentration range explored in the analysis varies from a few parts per million (ppm) to thousands of ppm. Spectra obtained from HITRAN and experimental single-molecule reference spectra of each of the molecular species were acquired and used as training data sets. These spectra were used to generate simulated spectra of the gas mixtures (linear combinations of the reference spectra). Here, in this proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate that after an absolute calibration of the QEPAS cell, the PLS analyses could be used to determine concentrations of single molecular species with a relative accuracy within a few % for mixtures of H2O, NH3, and CH4 and with an absolute sensitivity of approximately 300 (±50) ppm/V, 50 (±5) ppm/V, and 5 (±2) ppm/V for water, ammonia, and methane, respectively. This demonstrates that QEPAS assisted by PLS is a powerful approach to estimate concentrations of individual gas components with considerable spectral overlap, which is a typical scenario for real-life adoptions and applications.

Broad spectrum SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity in hospitalized First Nations peoples recovering from COVID-19.

Indigenous peoples globally are at increased risk of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality. However, data that describe immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indigenous populations are lacking. We evaluated immune responses in Australian First Nations peoples hospitalized with COVID-19. Our work comprehensively mapped out inflammatory, humoral and adaptive immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients were recruited early following the lifting of strict public health measures in the Northern Territory, Australia, between November 2021 and May 2022. Australian First Nations peoples recovering from COVID-19 showed increased levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 cytokines, IgG-antibodies against Delta-RBD and memory SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses prior to hospital discharge in comparison with hospital admission, with resolution of hyperactivated HLA-DR+ CD38+ T cells. SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited coordinated ASC, Tfh and CD8+ T cell responses in concert with CD4+ T cell responses. Delta and Omicron RBD-IgG, as well as Ancestral N-IgG antibodies, strongly correlated with Ancestral RBD-IgG antibodies and Spike-specific memory B cells. We provide evidence of broad and robust immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indigenous peoples, resembling those of non-Indigenous COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Polymorphic KIR3DL3 expression modulates tissue-resident and innate-like T cells.

Most human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and recognize HLA class I molecules as ligands. KIR3DL3 is a conserved but polymorphic inhibitory KIR recognizing a B7 family ligand, HHLA2, and is implicated for immune checkpoint targeting. The expression profile and biological function of KIR3DL3 have been somewhat elusive, so we searched extensively for KIR3DL3 transcripts, revealing highly enriched expression in γδ and CD8+ T cells rather than NK cells. These KIR3DL3-expressing cells are rare in the blood and thymus but more common in the lungs and digestive tract. High-resolution flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomics showed that peripheral blood KIR3DL3+ T cells have an activated transitional memory phenotype and are hypofunctional. The T cell receptor (TCR) usage is biased toward genes from early rearranged TCR-α variable segments or Vδ1 chains. In addition, we show that TCR-mediated stimulation can be inhibited through KIR3DL3 ligation. Whereas we detected no impact of KIR3DL3 polymorphism on ligand binding, variants in the proximal promoter and at residue 86 can reduce expression. Together, we demonstrate that KIR3DL3 is up-regulated alongside unconventional T cell stimulation and that individuals may vary in their ability to express KIR3DL3. These results have implications for the personalized targeting of KIR3DL3/HHLA2 checkpoint inhibition.

Robust and prototypical immune responses toward COVID-19 vaccine in First Nations peoples are impacted by comorbidities.

High-risk groups, including Indigenous people, are at risk of severe COVID-19. Here we found that Australian First Nations peoples elicit effective immune responses to COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccination, including neutralizing antibodies, receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In First Nations participants, RBD IgG antibody titers were correlated with body mass index and negatively correlated with age. Reduced RBD antibodies, spike-specific B cells and follicular helper T cells were found in vaccinated participants with chronic conditions (diabetes, renal disease) and were strongly associated with altered glycosylation of IgG and increased interleukin-18 levels in the plasma. These immune perturbations were also found in non-Indigenous people with comorbidities, indicating that they were related to comorbidities rather than ethnicity. However, our study is of a great importance to First Nations peoples who have disproportionate rates of chronic comorbidities and provides evidence of robust immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in Indigenous people.

Robust SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses with common TCRαß motifs toward COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematological malignancy impacting B cells.

Immunocompromised hematology patients are vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and respond poorly to vaccination. Relative deficits in immunity are, however, unclear, especially after 3 vaccine doses. We evaluated immune responses in hematology patients across three COVID-19 vaccination doses. Seropositivity was low after a first dose of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 (∼26%), increased to 59%-75% after a second dose, and increased to 85% after a third dose. While prototypical antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell responses were elicited in healthy participants, hematology patients showed prolonged ASCs and skewed Tfh2/17 responses. Importantly, vaccine-induced expansions of spike-specific and peptide-HLA tetramer-specific CD4+/CD8+ T cells, together with their T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires, were robust in hematology patients, irrespective of B cell numbers, and comparable to healthy participants. Vaccinated patients with breakthrough infections developed higher antibody responses, while T cell responses were comparable to healthy groups. COVID-19 vaccination induces robust T cell immunity in hematology patients of varying diseases and treatments irrespective of B cell numbers and antibody response.

CD4+ T cell-mediated recognition of a conserved cholesterol-dependent cytolysin epitope generates broad antibacterial immunity.

CD4+ T cell-mediated immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) can protect against recurrent bacterial colonization and invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs). Although such immune responses are common, the pertinent antigens have remained elusive. We identified an immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitope derived from pneumolysin (Ply), a member of the bacterial cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs). This epitope was broadly immunogenic as a consequence of presentation by the pervasive human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allotypes DPB1∗02 and DPB1∗04 and recognition via architecturally diverse T cell receptors (TCRs). Moreover, the immunogenicity of Ply427-444 was underpinned by core residues in the conserved undecapeptide region (ECTGLAWEWWR), enabling cross-recognition of heterologous bacterial pathogens expressing CDCs. Molecular studies further showed that HLA-DP4-Ply427-441 was engaged similarly by private and public TCRs. Collectively, these findings reveal the mechanistic determinants of near-global immune focusing on a trans-phyla bacterial epitope, which could inform ancillary strategies to combat various life-threatening infectious diseases, including IPDs.

Etiology, Classification, Diagnostics, and Conservative Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. 2023 Recommendations of the Working Group "Clinical Tissue Regeneration" of the German Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature was analyzed regarding different topics relevant to osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) treatment. This process concluded with a statement for each topic reflecting the best scientific evidence available for a particular diagnostic or therapeutic concept, including the grade of recommendation. Besides the scientific evidence, all group members rated the statements to identify possible gaps between literature and current clinical practice. CONCLUSION: In patients with minimal symptoms, OLT progression to ankle osteoarthritis is unlikely. Risk factors for progression are the depth of the lesion on MRI, subchondral cyst formation, and the extent of bone marrow edema. Conservative management is the adaptation of activities to the performance of the ankle joint. A follow-up imaging after 12 months helps not to miss any progression. It is impossible to estimate the probability of success of conservative management from initial symptoms and imaging. Cast immobilization is an option in OLTs in children, with a success rate of approximately 50%, although complete healing, estimated from imaging, is rare. In adults, improvement by conservative management ranges between 45% and 59%. Rest and restrictions for sports activities seem to be more successful than immobilization. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma can improve pain and functional scores for more than 6 months. If 3 months of conservative management does not improve symptoms, surgery can be recommended.

SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection induces rapid memory and de novo T cell responses.

Although the protective role of neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19 is well established, questions remain about the relative importance of cellular immunity. Using 6 pMHC multimers in a cohort with early and frequent sampling, we define the phenotype and kinetics of recalled and primary T cell responses following Delta or Omicron breakthrough infection in previously vaccinated individuals. Recall of spike-specific CD4+ T cells was rapid, with cellular proliferation and extensive activation evident as early as 1 day post symptom onset. Similarly, spike-specific CD8+ T cells were rapidly activated but showed variable degrees of expansion. The frequency of activated SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells at baseline and peak inversely correlated with peak SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in nasal swabs and accelerated viral clearance. Our study demonstrates that a rapid and extensive recall of memory T cell populations occurs early after breakthrough infection and suggests that CD8+ T cells contribute to the control of viral replication in breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Structure-Integrated Thin-Film Supercapacitor as a Sensor.

Today, aircraft composite structures are generally over-dimensioned to avoid catastrophic failure by unseen damages. This leads to a higher system weight and therefore an unwanted increase in greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce this parasitic mass, load monitoring can play an important role in damage detection. Additionally, the weight and volume of future aircraft structures can also be reduced by energy storing and load carrying structures: so-called power composites. In this study a novel method of combining both approaches for maximum weight reduction is shown. This is achieved by using power composites as load monitoring sensors and energy suppliers. Therefore, supercapacitors are integrated into fiber reinforced polymers and are then used to investigate the mechanical load influence. By using four-point bending experiments and in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a strong relation between the mechanical load and the electrochemical system is found and analyzed using a model. For the first time, it is possible to detect small strain values down to 0.2% with a power composite. This strain is considerably lower than the conventional system load. The developed model and the impedance data indicate the possibility of using the composite as an energy storage as well as a strain sensor.

SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell memory with common TCRαß motifs is established in unvaccinated children who seroconvert after infection.

As the establishment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cell memory in children remains largely unexplored, we recruited convalescent COVID-19 children and adults to define their circulating memory SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells prior to vaccination. We analyzed epitope-specific T cells directly ex vivo using seven HLA class I and class II tetramers presenting SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, together with Spike-specific B cells. Unvaccinated children who seroconverted had comparable Spike-specific but lower ORF1a- and N-specific memory T cell responses compared with adults. This agreed with our TCR sequencing data showing reduced clonal expansion in children. A strong stem cell memory phenotype and common T cell receptor motifs were detected within tetramer-specific T cells in seroconverted children. Conversely, children who did not seroconvert had tetramer-specific T cells of predominantly naive phenotypes and diverse TCRαß repertoires. Our study demonstrates the generation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell memory with common TCRαß motifs in unvaccinated seroconverted children after their first virus encounter.

Evolution of circadian clocks along the green lineage.

Circadian clocks govern temporal programs in the green lineage (Chloroplastida) as they do in other photosynthetic pro- and eukaryotes, bacteria, fungi, animals, and humans. Their physiological properties, including entrainment, phase responses, and temperature compensation, are well conserved. The involvement of transcriptional/translational feedback loops in the oscillatory machinery and reversible phosphorylation events are also maintained. Circadian clocks control a large variety of output rhythms in green algae and terrestrial plants, adjusting their metabolism and behavior to the day-night cycle. The angiosperm Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) represents a well-studied circadian clock model. Several molecular components of its oscillatory machinery are conserved in other Chloroplastida, but their functions may differ. Conserved clock components include at least one member of the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1/REVEILLE and one of the PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR family. The Arabidopsis evening complex members EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), ELF4, and LUX ARRHYTHMO are found in the moss Physcomitrium patens and in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. In the flagellate chlorophyte alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, only homologs of ELF4 and LUX (named RHYTHM OF CHLOROPLAST ROC75) are present. Temporal ROC75 expression in C. reinhardtii is opposite to that of the angiosperm LUX, suggesting different clock mechanisms. In the picoalga Ostreococcus tauri, both ELF genes are missing, suggesting that it has a progenitor circadian "green" clock. Clock-relevant photoreceptors and thermosensors vary within the green lineage, except for the CRYPTOCHROMEs, whose variety and functions may differ. More genetically tractable models of Chloroplastida are needed to draw final conclusions about the gradual evolution of circadian clocks within the green lineage.

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination elicits a robust and persistent T follicular helper cell response in humans.

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines induce robust anti-spike (S) antibody and CD4+ T cell responses. It is not yet clear whether vaccine-induced follicular helper CD4+ T (TFH) cell responses contribute to this outstanding immunogenicity. Using fine-needle aspiration of draining axillary lymph nodes from individuals who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, we evaluated the T cell receptor sequences and phenotype of lymph node TFH. Mining of the responding TFH T cell receptor repertoire revealed a strikingly immunodominant HLA-DPB1∗04-restricted response to S167-180 in individuals with this allele, which is among the most common HLA alleles in humans. Paired blood and lymph node specimens show that while circulating S-specific TFH cells peak one week after the second immunization, S-specific TFH persist at nearly constant frequencies for at least six months. Collectively, our results underscore the key role that robust TFH cell responses play in establishing long-term immunity by this efficacious human vaccine.

Structural basis of T cell receptor specificity and cross-reactivity of two HLA-DQ2.5-restricted gluten epitopes in celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory condition often characterized by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2.5 molecules presenting gluten epitopes derived from wheat, barley, and rye. Although some T cells exhibit cross-reactivity toward distinct gluten epitopes, the structural basis underpinning such cross-reactivity is unclear. Here, we investigated the T-cell receptor specificity and cross-reactivity of two immunodominant wheat gluten epitopes, DQ2.5-glia-α1a (PFPQPELPY) and DQ2.5-glia-ω1 (PFPQPEQPF). We show by surface plasmon resonance that a T-cell receptor alpha variable (TRAV) 4+-T-cell receptor beta variable (TRBV) 29-1+ TCR bound to HLA-DQ2.5-glia-α1a and HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 with similar affinity, whereas a TRAV4- (TRAV9-2+) TCR recognized HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 only. We further determined the crystal structures of the TRAV4+-TRBV29-1+ TCR bound to HLA-DQ2.5-glia-α1a and HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1, as well as the structure of an epitope-specific TRAV9-2+-TRBV7-3+ TCR-HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 complex. We found that position 7 (p7) of the DQ2.5-glia-α1a and DQ2.5-glia-ω1 epitopes made very limited contacts with the TRAV4+ TCR, thereby explaining the TCR cross-reactivity across these two epitopes. In contrast, within the TRAV9-2+ TCR-HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 ternary complex, the p7-Gln was situated in an electrostatic pocket formed by the hypervariable CDR3ß loop of the TCR and Arg70ß from HLA-DQ2.5, a polar network which would not be supported by the p7-Leu residue of DQ2.5-glia-α1a. In conclusion, we provide additional insights into the molecular determinants of TCR specificity and cross-reactivity to two closely-related epitopes in celiac disease.

The World of Algae Reveals a Broad Variety of Cryptochrome Properties and Functions.

Algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic (micro-)organisms, lacking roots, leaves, and other organs that are typical for land plants. They live in freshwater, marine, or terrestrial habitats. Together with the cyanobacteria they contribute to about half of global carbon fixation. As primary producers, they are at the basis of many food webs and they are involved in biogeochemical processes. Algae are evolutionarily distinct and are derived either by primary (e.g., green and red algae) or secondary endosymbiosis (e.g., diatoms, dinoflagellates, and brown algae). Light is a key abiotic factor needed to maintain the fitness of algae as it delivers energy for photosynthesis, regulates algal cell- and life cycles, and entrains their biological clocks. However, excess light can also be harmful, especially in the ultraviolet range. Among the variety of receptors perceiving light information, the cryptochromes originally evolved as UV-A and blue-light receptors and have been found in all studied algal genomes so far. Yet, the classification, biophysical properties, wavelength range of absorbance, and biological functions of cryptochromes are remarkably diverse among algal species, especially when compared to cryptochromes from land plants or animals.

Palmar plating of distal radius fractures : 3-year follow-up with titanium and PEEK plates give similar outcomes.

A variety of different plate designs and materials are available to treat distal radius fractures. This study evaluates clinical results with a carbon fibre- reinforced (CFR)-polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate in comparison to a standard titanium plate. Thirty-one distal radius fractures were included in this randomised controlled trial. Five fractures were classified as type A, 6 as type B and 20 as type C, in accordance with the AO classification. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups : 15 patients for titanium palmar plating (TPP) and 16 patients for PEEK palmar plating (PPP). Follow-up examinations were set at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 3 years postop. In terms of wrist range of motion, radiological evaluation (alignment and fracture healing), DASH score (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and VAS (visual analogue scale), no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups, at all follow-up intervals. PEEK palmar plating and titanium plates give equivalent clinical and radiological outcomes up to 3 years follow-up.

A high-affinity human TCR-like antibody detects celiac disease gluten peptide-MHC complexes and inhibits T cell activation.

Antibodies specific for peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are valuable tools for studies of antigen presentation and may have therapeutic potential. Here, we generated human T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies toward the immunodominant signature gluten epitope DQ2.5-glia-α2 in celiac disease (CeD). Phage display selection combined with secondary targeted engineering was used to obtain highly specific antibodies with picomolar affinity. The crystal structure of a Fab fragment of the lead antibody 3.C11 in complex with HLA-DQ2.5:DQ2.5-glia-α2 revealed a binding geometry and interaction mode highly similar to prototypic TCRs specific for the same complex. Assessment of CeD biopsy material confirmed disease specificity and reinforced the notion that abundant plasma cells present antigen in the inflamed CeD gut. Furthermore, 3.C11 specifically inhibited activation and proliferation of gluten-specific CD4+ T cells in vitro and in HLA-DQ2.5 humanized mice, suggesting a potential for targeted intervention without compromising systemic immunity.

Structural basis of biased T cell receptor recognition of an immunodominant HLA-A2 epitope of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

CD8+ T cells play an important role in vaccination and immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Although numerous SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T cell epitopes have been identified, the molecular basis underpinning T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells remains unknown. The T cell response directed toward SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-derived S269-277 peptide presented by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗02:01 allomorph (hereafter the HLA-A2S269-277 epitope) is, to date, the most immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 epitope found in individuals bearing this allele. As HLA-A2S269-277-specific CD8+ T cells utilize biased TRAV12 gene usage within the TCR α-chain, we sought to understand the molecular basis underpinning this TRAV12 dominance. We expressed four TRAV12+ TCRs which bound the HLA-A2S269-277 complex with low micromolar affinity and determined the crystal structure of the HLA-A2S269-277 binary complex, and subsequently a ternary structure of the TRAV12+ TCR complexed to HLA-A2S269-277. We found that the TCR made extensive contacts along the entire length of the S269-277 peptide, suggesting that the TRAV12+ TCRs would be sensitive to sequence variation within this epitope. To examine this, we investigated cross-reactivity toward analogous peptides from existing SARS-CoV-2 variants and closely related coronaviruses. We show via surface plasmon resonance and tetramer studies that the TRAV12+ T cell repertoire cross-reacts poorly with these analogous epitopes. Overall, we defined the structural basis underpinning biased TCR recognition of CD8+ T cells directed at an immunodominant epitope and provide a framework for understanding TCR cross-reactivity toward viral variants within the S269-277 peptide.