Objective
Specific stimulation of MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses is a key objective for vaccines against intracellular infections. Epitope repertoires (ER) recognized by CTL are generated by processing antigen in proteasome/TAP-dependent (ER^prot) and alternative proteasome/ TAP-independent (ER^alt) pathways. Many new vaccination strategies prime CTL to alternatively pro-cessed antigens. The consortium targets the analysis of alternative processing of vaccine-relevant antigens from HCV, HBV and malaria plasmodia resulting in peptides for human/murine MHC class I presentation. It will be tested if CTL populations specific for the ER^alt alone, or in combination with CTL recognizing the ER^prot are associated with protection against natural human HBV, HCV and plasmodium infections. The insight into alternative processing will be used to design and test optimised safe vaccines that induce broad CTL immunity also to the ER^alt.
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
89081 Ulm
Germany
Participants (3)
75743 Paris
DD1 5EH Dundee
1066 Epalinges