Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) Epitopes (HIV CTL Epitopes)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes are short peptide fragments derived from HIV proteins that are presented on the surface of infected cells by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. These epitopes are recognized by CD8+ T cells, which play a critical role in controlling HIV infection by killing infected cells and limiting viral replication. The majority of experimentally validated CTL epitopes come from HIV proteins such as p24 (Gag), gp160 (Env), Nef, Reverse Transcriptase (RT), and p17. The breadth and effectiveness of an individual's response depend on their unique set of HLA alleles. Understanding which CTL responses most effectively control viral replication informs vaccine design strategies aiming to elicit broad and potent CD8+ T cell immunity.

Other names

HIV CTL EpitopesCTL EpitopesCD8+ T cell epitopesHIV-derived peptides presented by HLA class I