We provide state-of-the-art high-throughput T cell epitope mapping using flow cytometry offered as customer tailored contract research. We perform epitope mapping projects broadly, including mapping of spontaneous anti-cancer or autoimmune T cell epitopes, anti-viral T cell epitope mapping and mode-of-action analyses of novel immuno-oncology treatments. Note, even if the overall goal of your study is not to perform mapping of T cell epitopes you might need us for doing so as the number of published T cell epitopes restricted to other molecules than HLA-A*02:01 is still limited.
Using flow cytometry and T cell cytotoxicity assays we offer assistance in all parts of the T cell epitope mapping process, from selection of protein targets to detection of T cell responses and confirmation of epitope processing in carefully selected target cells.
The challenge of T cell epitope mapping can be approached from many angles. At ImmuMap we apply state-of-the-art wet lab protocols in combination with world-recognized in silico prediction servers based on artificial neural networks.
In the following case study, performed in the academic setting, we wanted to map new melanoma-associated T cell epitopes as targets for immune therapeutic intervention as well as for monitoring of existing or raised immunity in melanoma patients.
Multiple T cell epitopes restricted to HLA-A02:01 have been identified previously, while the exact T cell recognition in context of other tissue has only been sporadically investigated. Although HLA-A*02:01 is the most common allele in the Western European population, it is only present in approximately half of the patients leaving the remaining half of the patients with suboptimal treatment and monitoring possibilities.
Therefore we aimed at using cell culturing and flow cytometry testing for mapping of new T cell epitopes restricted to HLA-A01:01, -A03:01, -A11:01 and –B07:02 from melanoma-associated proteins. For these four HLA molecules we performed a study with 249 peptides by flow cytometry testing of PBMCs from 39 melanoma patients. We identified a total of 27 T cell responses against novel peptide sequences and were able to confirm three unique peptide sequences as T cell epitopes (Frøsig et al., Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, 2015).
The above described T cell epitope mapping case study was broken down into individual work elements as described below:
Note, several of the above mentioned methods are patented and licenses are required in order to perform these analyses.
ImmuMap offer to perform single, multiple or all of the tasks necessary for T cell epitope mapping in our laboratory or to train or advice you on how to perform your own epitope mapping.
ImmuMap - DTU Science Park, Diplomvej 377, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark - Tel: +45 6178 1882