Immunogenicity of HLA-DR1 Restricted Peptides Derived from Leishmania major gp63 Using FVB/N-DR1 Transgenic Mouse Model

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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-γ detected by Proliferation assay and ELISA. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a high level of immunogenicity for AAR, which can be a potent candidate for peptide vaccine in Leishmania infections.