HLA-DP4 presents an immunodominant peptide from the RSV G protein to CD4 T cells

CD4 T cells play a crucial role during virus infections by producing antiviral cytokines and by regulating Immoral and cellular immune responses. Unfortunately however, exaggerated CD4 T cell responses can cause significant immune-mediated disease as was observed during RSV infections in children previously vaccinated with a formalin-inactivated virus in the 1960s. It has been observed that vaccination with the G protein of RSV tends to prime mice for a similar Th2-mediated enhanced disease. Whether the G protein may play a role in enhanced disease in man is unclear. In the present study, we identified an immunodominant epitope in the conserved region of the G protein encompassing amino acid residues 162-175. This epitope is presented in the context of HLA-DP131*0401 and DP131*0402, the most prevalent HLA class 11 alleles. Importantly, in some patients, a mixed Th1/Th2 response against this epitope was found in bronchoalveolar lavage samples during primary RSV infections. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.