Figure 1. The identification of HTNV nucleoprotein CD8⁺ T-cell epitopes from HFRS patients.

(A) The determination of effective epitope-specific T-cell responses. PBMCs from the four donors were depleted of CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells, and stimulated with the indicated four 15-mer peptides, respectively. (B) Five novel nonamer peptides recognized by CD8⁺ T cells in the four donors were defined as HTNV nucleoprotein epitopes within the sequences of the 15-mer peptides nested inside. The ex vivo IFN-γ ELISPOT assay was performed. PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell.