T-CELL RECOGNITION OF MYELIN PROTEOLIPID PROTEIN AND MYELIN PROTEOLIPID PROTEIN-PEPTIDES IN THE PERIPHERAL-BLOOD OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS AND CONTROL SUBJECTS

Myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) is a prime candidate autoantigen for multiple sclerosis. In order to define potential immunodominant epitop es, T cell lines (TCL) from the peripheral blood of HLA-DR 15(2) MS pa tients were established which responded to the intact molecule of PLP. These TCL were then tested in individual proliferation assays with a variety of PLP peptides spanning most of the PLP molecule. Multiple pe ptides were recognized by TCL from the RIS population, with more than one peptide often recognized by lines from the same individual. Three immunodominant peptides were identified which were recognized by the m ajority of MS patients. Estimated frequency analyses were then perform ed on the peripheral blood of HLA-DR15(2)-positive MS and control subj ects using TCL initiated by the three immunodominant peptides, 40-60, 95-117, and 185-206. TCL from HLA-DRIS MS subjects recognized peptide 95-117 significantly mon often than TCL from control subjects. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science B.V.