HLA binding peptides and their uses

Abstract

The present invention provides the means and methods for selecting immunogenic peptides and the immunogenic peptide compositions capable of specifically binding glycoproteins encoded by HLA alleles and inducing T cell activation in T cells restricted by the allele. The peptides are useful to elicit an immune response against a desired antigen.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A composition comprising a peptide consisting of the sequence YLQLVFGIEV (SEQ ID NO: 1).  
     
     
         2 . A composition comprising an immunogenic peptide having an HLA-A2.1 binding motif, which immunogenic peptide is YLQLVFGIEV (SEQ ID NO: 1).  
     
     
         3 . A method for inducing a cytotoxic T-cell response against a preselected antigen in a patient expressing an HLA-A2.1 MHC product, the method comprising contacting the cytotoxic T cells from the patient with a composition comprising an immunogenic peptide of the sequence YLQLVFGIEV (SEQ ID NO: 1).