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Comoviruses and enteroviruses share a T cell epitope
M A Beck1, S Tracy, B A Coller
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198.
Virology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Immune T cells recognize common viral epitopes between plant comoviruses and human enteroviruses. This shared nonstructural protein region, specifically in the 2C protein, triggers cross-protective immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enteroviruses and comoviruses are distinct viral groups.
- T cell recognition of viral antigens is crucial for adaptive immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shared antigenic epitopes between comoviruses and enteroviruses.
- To identify the location and nature of cross-reactive epitopes recognized by T cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro murine T cell proliferation assays using splenocytes.
- Antigenic stimulation with various enterovirus and comovirus strains.
- Analysis of viral genomic segments and translated polypeptides.
- Peptide synthesis and immunogenicity testing.
Main Results:
- Splenocytes from mice infected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) or bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) proliferated against both enteroviral and comoviral antigens.
- Highly purified viral inocula indicated the shared epitope resides in nonstructural regions.
- T cell response was directed against nonstructural (B-RNA) encoded polypeptides of CPMV, not structural (M-RNA).
- A consensus peptide (LEEKGI) from the 2C protein was identified as immunogenic for both CVB3- and BPMV-immune splenocytes.
Conclusions:
- A common antigenic epitope exists between comoviruses and enteroviruses within their nonstructural coding regions.
- The 2C protein likely harbors this cross-reactive epitope, suggesting potential for broader antiviral strategies.