A CTL epitope from human cytomegalovirus IE1 defined by combining prediction of HLA binding and proteasomal processing is the target of dominant immune responses in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Objectives and methods In an attempt to define HCMV IE1-derived, HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes, an advanced computer-based epitope prediction combining HLA binding and proteasomal cleavages in silico was performed. Results This prediction algorithm clearly confirmed VLEETSVML to be the most likely CTL epitope. By tetramer staining, HCMV pp65 NLVPMVATV-specific CD8+ T cells were detectable in 18/24 HCMV seropositive HLA-A*0201-expressing individuals (median frequency 0.58%; range 0.1%–4.7%), and IE1 VLEETSVML-specific CD8+ T cells in 5/24 (median frequency 2.1%; range 0.1%–4.3%), respectively (p<0.01). Also in recipients of an allogeneic SCT, VLEETSVML- and NLVPMVATV-specific CD8+ T cells were detectable in comparable frequencies, but again the number of patients with detectable pp65-specific CD8+ T cells was higher (p = 0.014). In 4/15 individuals, all demonstrating IE1 VLEETSVML-specific CD8+ T cells prior to peptide stimulation, VLEETSVML-specific T cell lines (purity of 42.6%–98.6% of all CD3+/CD8+ T cells) were successfully generated after 2–4 weeks of culture using the IFN-γ secretion assay. Conclusion In conclusion, this novel prediction strategy efficiently predicted an immunodominant viral T-cell epitope.