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Development of a humanized HLA-A2.1/DP4 transgenic mouse model and the use of this model to map HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes of HBV envelope protein
PLoS One
  • Zhitao Ru, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
  • Wenjun Xiao, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
  • Anthony Pajot, Universite Paris-Sud
  • Zhihua Kou, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
  • Shihui Sun, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
  • Benard Maillere, Institut de Biologie et Technologies
  • Guangyu Zhao, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
  • David M. Ojcius, University of California, Merced
  • Yu-Chun Lone, Universite Paris-Sud
  • Yusen Zhou, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology
ORCiD
David M. Ojcius: 0000-0003-1461-4495
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0032247
Publication Date
3-5-2012
Abstract

A new homozygous humanized transgenic mouse strain, HLA-A2.1+/+HLA-DP4+/+ hCD4+/+mCD4−/−IAβ−/−β2m−/− (HLA-A2/DP4), was obtained by crossing the previously characterized HLA-A2+/+β2m−/− (A2) mouse and our previously created HLA-DP4+/+ hCD4+/+mCD4−/−IAβ−/− (DP4) mouse. We confirmed that the transgenes (HLA-A2, HLA-DP4, hCD4) inherited from the parental A2 and DP4 mice are functional in the HLA-A2/DP4 mice. After immunizing HLA-A2/DP4 mice with a hepatitis B DNA vaccine, hepatitis B virus-specific antibodies, HLA-A2-restricted and HLA-DP4-restricted responses were observed to be similar to those in naturally infected humans. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that HLA-A2/DP4 transgenic mice can faithfully mimic human cellular responses. Furthermore, we reported four new HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes derived from HBsAg that were identified in both vaccinated HLA-A2/DP4 mice and HLA-DP4-positive human individuals. The HLA-A2/DP4 mouse model is a promising preclinical animal model carrying alleles present to more than a quarter of the human population. This model should facilitate the identification of novel HLA-A2- and HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes and vaccine development as well as the characterization of HLA-DP4-restricted responses against infection in humans.

Comments
Article e32247
Citation Information
Zhitao Ru, Wenjun Xiao, Anthony Pajot, Zhihua Kou, et al.. "Development of a humanized HLA-A2.1/DP4 transgenic mouse model and the use of this model to map HLA-DP4-restricted epitopes of HBV envelope protein" PLoS One Vol. 7 Iss. 3 (2012) p. 1 - 9 ISSN: 1932-6203
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david-ojcius/84/