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Journal of Virology, February 2008, p. 1238-1248, Vol. 82, No. 3
0022-538X/08/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JVI.02026-07
Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Three-Dimensional Structure Determines the Pattern of CD4+ T-Cell Epitope Dominance in Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin{triangledown}

Samuel J. Landry*

Department of Biochemistry, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Received 13 September 2007/ Accepted 15 November 2007

The structural context of a CD4+ T-cell epitope is known to influence immunodominance at the level of antigen processing, but general rules have not emerged. Dominant epitopes of influenza virus hemagglutinin are found to be localized to the C-terminal flanks of conformationally stable segments identified by low crystallographic B-factors or high COREX residue stabilities. The bias toward C-terminal flanks is distinctive for antigens from the influenza virus. Dominant epitopes in antigens/allergens from other sources also localize to the flanks of stable segments but are found on either N- or C-terminal flanks. Thus, dominance arises from preferential endoproteolytic nicking between stable segments followed by loading of fragment terminal regions into antigen-presenting proteins. This mechanism probably arose in order to direct CD4+ responses onto sequences that are conserved for structure and function. Structure-guided presentation could enhance protection against genetically drifting influenza virus variants but most likely reduces protection against new viral subtypes.

* Mailing address: Department of Biochemistry, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112. Phone: (504) 988-3990. Fax: (504) 988-2739. E-mail: landry{at}tulane.edu

{triangledown} Published ahead of print on 5 December 2007.

Journal of Virology, February 2008, p. 1238-1248, Vol. 82, No. 3
0022-538X/08/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/JVI.02026-07
Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.





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