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Cross-reactivity between human adenoviruses in delayed-type hypersensitivity.
Marta Bakay1, Katalin Szalay, Ilona Beladi
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
Summary
Human adenoviruses (Ads) induce delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) primarily through the hexon protein. This conserved T cell epitope on the hexon antigen may explain cross-reactivity between different Ad serotypes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human adenoviruses (Ads) are a significant concern in gene therapy due to potential immune responses.
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is a critical immune response to viral antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific antigen in human adenoviruses responsible for inducing DTH.
- To investigate the cross-reactivity of DTH responses among different human Ad serotypes.
Main Methods:
- DTH was measured by hind footpad swelling in mice sensitized with human Ad serotype 6 (Ad6).
- Reactions were elicited using purified Ad6, other Ad serotypes, and latex particles coated with purified hexon antigen from Ad5.
Main Results:
- Ad6 induced DTH in a dose-dependent manner.
- DTH was observed with Ad serotypes from the same species (types 1 and 5) and a different species (type 3).
- Hexon antigen alone sensitized mice and elicited DTH, indicating its role in the immune response.
Conclusions:
- The highly conserved T cell epitope on the hexon protein is likely responsible for DTH induction by species C human Ads.
- This hexon epitope may also explain cross-reactivity between Ad serotypes 3 and 6.
- Findings have implications for understanding and mitigating Ad vector immunogenicity in gene therapy.