Identification of H-2d restricted Th epitopes in Urease B subunit of Helicobacter pylori

CD4(+) T cells play important roles in protection against Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) infection. In order to better understand the immune responses of H. pylori infection and improve immune interventions against this pathogen, we identified the Th epitopes in UreB of H. pylori, an excellent vaccine candidate antigen. By using the RANKPEP prediction algorithm, we have identified and characterized three Th epitopes within the UreB antigen, which can be recognized by CD4(+) T cells from BALB/c (H-2d) mice. They were U546-561, U119-244, and U237-251. These epitopes have important value for studying the immune response of H. pylori infection and for designing effective vaccine against H. pylori. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.