PEPTIDES STIMULATING CYTOTOXIC T CELLS IMMUNE TO HIV RT

摘要

An epitope in the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase that is conserved among HIV strains and that is recognized by both murine and human cytotoxic T cells has been identified. Peptides that are derived from this epitope and that are capable of eliciting cytotoxic T cells that kill cells that express reverse transcriptase are provided. Test kits and methods for identifying HIV-infected individuals using the peptides are also provided. The optimal antigenic side of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, which was identified using a murine antigen-specific CD8 + Class I MHC-molecule-restricted cytotoxic T-cell line, includes residues 203-219. This peptide was recognized by cytotoxic lymphocytes from HIV seropositive individuals, but not by cytotoxic lymphocytes from seronegative individuals, and, thus provide a means for diagnosing HIV infection. Test kits and methods for identifying HIV-infected individuals using the peptides are provided. Peptides that include this antigenic site provide a means for producing an immunologic response against a broad range of HIV, and, therefore may be useful for inclusion in an AIDS vaccine. Compositions that contain these peptides and that are formulated for parenteral administration are provided.