Abstract
CD8+ T lymphocytes play a critical role in immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi. However, the target molecules of this T cell subset have not been elucidated. In this work, we report the identification of an H-2Kb-restricted CTL epitope within two trypomastigote surface Ags encoded by members of the T. cruzi sialidase/trans-sialidase gene superfamily. Octapeptide VDYNFTIV sensitized target cells for lysis by CD8+ CTL generated from spleens of T. cruzi-infected mice. Peptide-specific CD8+ T cell lines were cytotoxic, secreted IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, but low to undetectable levels of IL-4 and IL-5, and were able, upon adoptive transfer, to confer a high degree of protection against challenge infection. Finally, the protective determinant appears to be conserved among parasites from diverse geographic locations. This constitutes the first identified class I MHC-restricted epitope in T. cruzi and provides the basis for the search of additional targets to be considered in the development of vaccines against Chagas' disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adoptive Transfer
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Antigens, Protozoan / administration & dosage
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Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / parasitology
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Cell Line
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Chagas Disease / immunology*
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Chagas Disease / mortality
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Chagas Disease / parasitology
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Chagas Disease / prevention & control
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
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Female
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Glycoproteins / administration & dosage
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Glycoproteins / immunology*
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H-2 Antigens / immunology
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H-2 Antigens / metabolism
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Humans
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C3H
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Molecular Weight
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Neuraminidase / administration & dosage
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Neuraminidase / immunology*
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Protein Binding / immunology
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Species Specificity
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / parasitology
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Trypanosoma cruzi / enzymology*
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Trypanosoma cruzi / immunology*
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
Substances
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Antigens, Protozoan
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Cytokines
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Glycoproteins
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H-2 Antigens
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H-2Kb protein, mouse
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trans-sialidase
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Neuraminidase