Designing of CD8(+) and CD8(+)-overlapped CD4(+) epitope vaccine by targeting late and early proteins of human papillomavirus

Kaliamurthi, Satyavani; Selvaraj, Gurudeeban; Kaushik, Aman Chandra; Gu, Ke-Ren; Wei, Dong-Qing

E6 and E7 proteins are involved in cell differentiation and targeting numerous negative regulators of the cell cycle (tumor suppressor genes p105Rb and p53). The assemblage of L1 and L2 proteins in capsomers results in the formation of icosahedral capsids around the viral genetic material during formation of progeny. 5, 6 Identification of CD8 + antigenic determinants is crucial in vaccine development. 7 Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are also known as killer cells or CD8 cells matured from the thymus of a specific primary lymphoid organ of the human immune system. CD8 + T cells play a vital role in cell-mediated immune responses against invading intracellular foreign substances like viruses. 8 In addition to CD8 + T cells, the peptides of CD4 + T cells are presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, which are located in the antigen-presenting cells (APCs), to trigger immune response. Therefore, CD4 + cells are also known as T helper (Th) cells. Initially, APC identifies the pathogen-associated molecular pattern by toll-like receptors (TLRs) which results in the cleavage of antigen into small fragments. Then, MHC class II peptides complex activates the naive CD4 + Th cells and triggers CD8 + -mediated cellular immune response or B cell-mediated humoral immune response. Interestingly, when the antigen complexes with MHC class I directly, it results in CD8 + -mediated cellular immune response. 9, 10 The detection of CTL epitopes and the stimulation of immune response play a critical role in an individual's immune system.