Prediction of T Cell Epitopes from Leishmania major Potentially Excreted/Secreted Proteins Inducing Granzyme B Production

PLoS One. 2016 Jan 15;11(1):e0147076. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147076. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Leishmania-specific cytotoxic T cell response is part of the acquired immune response developed against the parasite and contributes to resistance to reinfection. Herein, we have used an immune-informatic approach for the identification, among Leishmania major potentially excreted/secreted proteins previously described, those generating peptides that could be targeted by the cytotoxic immune response. Seventy-eight nonameric peptides that are predicted to be loaded by HLA-A*0201 molecule were generated and their binding capacity to HLA-A2 was evaluated. These peptides were grouped into 20 pools and their immunogenicity was evaluated by in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-A2+-immune individuals with a history of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Six peptides were identified according to their ability to elicit production of granzyme B. Furthermore, among these peptides 3 showed highest affinity to HLA-A*0201, one derived from an elongation factor 1-alpha and two from an unknown protein. These proteins could constitute potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Protozoan / chemistry*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Female
  • Granzymes / metabolism*
  • HLA-A2 Antigen / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Leishmania major / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / immunology*
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • HLA-A2 Antigen
  • Peptides
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Granzymes