Back to Search
Start Over
Characterization of the Specific CD4+ T Cell Response against the F Protein during Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection.
- Source :
-
PLoS ONE . 2010, Vol. 5 Issue 12, p1-8. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Background: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) Alternate Reading Frame Protein (ARFP or F protein) presents a double-frame shift product of the HCV core gene. We and others have previously reported that the specific antibodies against the F protein could be raised in the sera of HCV chronically infected patients. However, the specific CD4+ T cell responses against the F protein during HCV infection and the pathological implications remained unclear. In the current study, we screened the MHC class II-presenting epitopes of the F protein through HLA-transgenic mouse models and eventually validated the specific CD4+ T cell responses in HCV chronically infected patients. Methodology: DNA vaccination in HLA-DR1 and-DP4 transgenic mouse models, proliferation assay to test the F protein specific T cell response, genotyping of Chronic HCV patients and testing the F-peptide stimulated T cell response in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) by in vitro expansion and interferon (IFN)- γ intracellular staining. Principal Findings: At least three peptides within HCV F protein were identified as HLA-DR or HLA-DP4 presenting epitopes by the proliferation assays in mouse models. Further study with human PBMCs evidenced the specific CD4+ T cell responses against HCV F protein as well in patients chronically infected with HCV. Conclusion: The current study provided the evidence for the first time that HCV F protein could elicit specific CD4+ T cell response, which may provide an insight into the immunopathogenesis during HCV chronic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- PLoS ONE
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 59389637
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014237