HLA-E-dependent presentation of Mtb-derived antigen to human CD8+ T cells

• Published in: The Journal of experimental medicine Vol. 196; no. 11; pp. 1473 - 1481
• Main Authors: Heinzel, Amy S, Grotzke, Jeff E, Lines, Rebecca A, Lewinsohn, Deborah A, McNabb, Andria L, Streblow, Daniel N, Braud, Veronique M, Grieser, Heather J, Belisle, John T, Lewinsohn, David M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Rockefeller University Press 02.12.2002; The Rockefeller University Press
• Subjects: Antigen Presentation; Antigens, Bacterial - immunology; Antigens, CD - physiology; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Cell Line; Dendritic Cells - physiology; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I - physiology; HLA Antigens - physiology; HLA-E Antigens; Humans; Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Lectins, C-Type - physiology; Life Sciences; Mycobacterium tuberculosis - immunology; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; Receptors, Immunologic - physiology; Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
• ISSN: 0022-1007; 1540-9538
• DOI: 10.1084/jem.20020609

Previous studies in mice and humans have suggested an important role for CD8+ T cells in host defense to Mtb. Recently, we have described human, Mtb-specific CD8+ cells that are neither HLA-A, B, or C nor group 1 CD1 restricted, and have found that these cells comprise the dominant CD8+ T cell response in latently infected individuals. In this report, three independent methods are used to demonstrate the ability of these cells to recognize Mtb-derived antigen in the context of the monomorphic HLA-E molecule. This is the first demonstration of the ability of HLA-E to present pathogen-derived antigen. Further definition of the HLA-E specific response may aid development of an effective vaccine against tuberculosis.