Method to predict antigenic sites recognized by T-lymphocytes.

摘要

This invention relates to a method of predicting segments of protein sequences that are likely to be recognized by T lymphocytes and therefore to stimulate cellular immunity. The method involves determining the potential immunogenicity of certain protein sequences by using T-cell site predictors. These selected protein segments are evaluated and ranked according to the probability of the existence of a T-lymphocyte antigenic site. Peptides are thus selected as potential vaccine candidates in the treatment of infections for which T-cell mediated immunity is an important defense. Even when an antibody immunity is the critical defense, helper T cells are necessary for a memory antibody response.