Peptide Immunization Elicits Polyomavirus-Specific MHC Class Ib-Restricted CD8 T Cells in MHC Class Ia Allogeneic Mice

Abstract

Unlike the polymorphic MHC class Ia molecules, MHC class Ib molecules are oligomorphic or nonpolymorphic. We recently discovered a protective CD8 T cell response to mouse polyomavirus (MPyV) in H-2 b haplotype mice that is restricted by H2-Q9, a member of the Qa-2 MHC class Ib family. Here, we demonstrate that immunization with a peptide corresponding to a virus capsid-derived peptide presented by Q9 also elicits MHC class Ibrestricted MPyV-specific CD8 T cells in mice of H-2 s and H-2 g7 strains. These findings support the concept that immunization with a single MHC class Ib-restricted peptide can expand CD8 T cells in MHC class Ia allogeneic hosts.

The role of MHC class Ib-restricted T cells during infection

“…However, Q9-restricted T cells are somewhat different from classical CD8 + T cells because they form an inflationary population during persistent infection for approximately 12 weeks (Swanson et al 2008). Further characterization showed that immunization with a VP2.139 peptide in mice carrying different MHC haplotypes could generate an MPyV-specific non-classical CD8 + T cell response (Hofstetter et al 2013). However, the authors were not able to determine whether this population provided enhanced control during MPyV infection (Hofstetter et al 2013).…”

“…Further characterization showed that immunization with a VP2.139 peptide in mice carrying different MHC haplotypes could generate an MPyV-specific non-classical CD8 + T cell response (Hofstetter et al 2013). However, the authors were not able to determine whether this population provided enhanced control during MPyV infection (Hofstetter et al 2013). …”