Immunogenicity of HLA-DR1 restricted peptides derived from leishmania major gp63 using FVB/N-DR1 transgenic mouse model

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease prevalent in tropical and sub- tropical countries. In the present study the immunogenicity of three human HLA-DR1 restricted peptides derived from L. major gp63 protein was evaluated using FVB/N-DR1 transgenic mouse model. The immunity generated by three MHC class II - restricted peptides with the sequence of AARLVRLAAAGAAVT [AAR], AAPLVRLAAAGAAVT [AAP] and SRYDQLVTRVVTHE [ASR] derived from L. major gp63 protein were predicted using a web-based software [SYFPEITHI] and tested in FVB/N-DR1 transgenic mice. Immunization of FVB/N-DR1 transgenic mice with one of the three predicted peptides [AAR] resulted in high levels of Th1-type immune response as well as significant levels of IFN-gamma detected by Proliferation assay and ELISA. The results indicate a high level of immunogenicity for AAR, which can be a potent candidate for peptide vaccine in Leishmania infections.