Fig. 2

Molecular mimicry of gp100 and HCMV peptides. The gp100 MLGTHTMEV peptide and the homologous MLGTHAMLV peptide derived from HCMV are shown bound to the HLA-A*02:01 molecule. The TCR facing residues are presented to the TCR αβ chains with the same conformation (A, B). The contact areas in red between the two peptides and the TCR αβ chains are identical (C, D). The areas of contact between the HLA molecule and the TCR αβ chains are identical (yellow and dark blue areas). PBMCs from HLA-A*02:01 positive healthy subjects were immunized ex vivo with HCMV peptide. After 14 days, IFNγ EliSpot assay was performed restimulating the cells with the same viral peptide or with the paired gp100 peptide. SFU = IFNγ spot forming units (G)