Work

Enhancing Cellular Immunity Through Epitope Peptides of SARS-CoV-2 in Individuals with Specific HLA Allele

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: This research explores the effectiveness of a new cytotoxic T-cell epitope peptide specific for HLA-A2402 in enhancing cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections. HLA molecules play a key role in presenting antigenic epitopes to T cells, with genetic polymorphisms resulting in varying immune responses among individuals. The study aimed to investigate whether loading this epitope peptide into dendritic cells (DCs) from HLA-A2402(+) individuals could improve immune responses. METHODS: DCs were sensitized with varying doses of the peptide (2-12 µg/mL), with optimal results observed at 8 µg/mL. T-cell responses, proliferation, differentiation, Th cytokine secretion, CTL function, and apoptotic response were compared among the HLA-A2402(+), HLA-A2402(-), PBS control, DC only, and epitope-only groups. RESULTS: A significant enhancement in DC maturation, antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and proliferation was observed in the HLA-A2402(+) group compared to the HLA-A2402(-) control. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that HLA-A2402-restricted epitope peptides can enhance cellular immunity, offering potential for improving allele-specific SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and other molecular therapies, advancing precision medicine for infectious diseases.

Source: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

DOI: 10.33594/000000768

Authors: Xinliang Huang, Yunyun Wu, Fangliu Yu, Bohan Dong, Zhu Yang

Institution: Wannan Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Immunotherapy and Immune Responses

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,925