Patient-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte cross-recognition of naturally occurring variants of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24gag epitope by HIV-1-infected children.

We tested seven human immunodeficiency virus-infected children for their cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activities towards the p24gag QASQEVKNW epitope and its nine variant sequences. Our data confirm that most, but not all, CTL responses are broadly cross-specific. For the first time, we show the high interpatient variability in cross-recognition of mutant CTL epitopes. These interindividual variations in the CTL response to the same epitope should be taken into account in the design and the evaluation of vaccines.