An approach to the identification of T cell epitopes in the genomic era: application to Francisella tularensis

Immunol Res. 2009 Dec;45(2-3):218-28. doi: 10.1007/s12026-009-8103-z. Epub 2009 Feb 11.

Abstract

The identification and characterization of epitopes is essential for modern immunologic studies. Here, we describe a novel methodology we have developed to identify T cell epitopes exploiting the phenomenon of cross presentation. Particulate antigens, in the form of beads, are very effective in delivering exogenous antigen to both the class I and class II pathways. We will review our efforts to screen entire genomes of pathogens for T cell epitopes taking advantage of the advances in genomics using Francisella tularensis as a model. By automating aspects of this technology we will be able to functionally screen the entire genome of F. tularensis for T cell epitopes. This technology should be applicable not only to F. tularensis, but also to many other pathogens as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
  • Epitope Mapping / methods
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / genetics
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Francisella tularensis / genetics
  • Francisella tularensis / immunology*
  • Genome, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genome, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Tularemia / genetics
  • Tularemia / immunology
  • Tularemia / microbiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte