The purpose of this study was to identify and validate IsdB
epitopes of CD4þ T-cell and to characterize CD4þ T-cell responses in
subjects with BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice representing H-2d and H-2b
types of MHC class II molecules. Using an in vitro MHC-peptide
binding assay as well as ex vivo proliferation and cytokine release
assays, we have identified and validated 2 epitopes restricted to
multiple MHC class II alleles. We also demonstrated that these
epitopes exert functional responses in a specific manner, capable of
inducing CD4þ T-cell proliferation and eliciting predominant production
of IFN-g and IL-17A cytokines. Our study provides important
data for the further design of IsdB epitope peptide-based
S. aureus vaccines.