NOVEL, CROSS-RESTRICTED, CONSERVED, AND IMMUNODOMINANT CYTOTOXIC T-LYMPHOCYTE EPITOPES IN SLOW PROGRESSORS IN HIV TYPE-1 INFECTION

HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an important role in the immune response to HIV infection, Long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) or slow progressors (SPs) in HIV infection may make qualitatively dif ferent CTL responses compared to those generated by seropositive indiv iduals who progress to disease at a faster rate. The class I molecule HLA-B57 has been identified as one restriction element overrepresente d in SP groups studied, and, together with the closely related molecul e HLA-B58, occurs commonly in ethnic groups where HIV is most prevale nt, In this study, we have identified five new HLA-B57-restricted CTL epitopes recognized by SP donors, one of which is also HLA-B5801 res tricted. These HLA-B57-restricted responses represent the dominant HI V-specific CTL response in each of the SP donors tested. These and oth er such epitopes may be an important component in future vaccine desig n.