Method of identifying a mhc class i restricted t cell response

Abstract

Described are peptides and polypeptides derived from the MUC-1 polypeptide which are able to activate Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) response, analogues of such peptides and polypeptides nucleotide sequences encoding such peptides and polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof. Moreover, indications for selecting appropriate minimal antigenic MUC-1 polypeptides with reference to the HLA-type of the patient to be treated or tested are described.

1 . A method of identifying a MHC class I restricted T cell response, said method comprising contacting a population of cells comprising MHC class I restricted T cells with:
 a polypeptide consisting of any one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 3-25, 27-33, 65 and 66, said polypeptide binding at least one MHC-1 glycoprotein, and   determining whether the MHC class I restricted T cells recognize the polypeptide, recognition by the MHC class I restricted T cells indicating the presence of a MHC class I restricted T cell response.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the determination of the MHC class I restricted T cell recognition is done by detecting the expression of a substance by the MHC class I restricted T cells, the expression of the substance indicating that the MHC class I restricted T cells have recognized the polypeptide. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the substance is IFN-γ.