An antigenic peptide of the HIV‐1 NEF protein recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes of seropositive individuals in association with different HLA‐B

Abstract

By using target cells that expressed only the regulatory NEF protein of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we were able to identify specific cytolytic T cells (CTL) from most of the seropositive patients tested. This NEF-specific cytolytic activity was mediated by CD8⁺ lymphocytes. In two different donors, we identified a unique peptide in the NEF protein that could be recognized in association with two different HLA class I molecules. The definition of such a peptide should prove useful in evaluating vaccine strategies.