Identification of human MHC class I binding peptides using the iTOPIA- epitope discovery system.

CD8+ T cells recognize antigenic peptides presented in the context of MHC class I. They play a key role in cellular immunity and are crucial for longterm protective immunity to many infectious diseases. The quest for new and enhanced vaccines requires improved means for identification of relevant antigens and the epitopes present within these. While there are several algorithms available for epitope prediction (all of which work to differing degrees of success), the definition of actual MHC class I-binding epitopes is very reliant on time-consuming and difficult to perform functional assays using often very limited biological material. The iTOPIA assay is quick and easy to perform and determines real-binding to MHC class I molecules. It provides an excellent platform for screening and elimination of potential epitopes and identification of novel epitopes prior to validation with a relevant functional assay.