Patent ID: 7217526
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: A61K,A61P,C07K,C12N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying T cells in a sample that become activated in the presence of a vaccinia or variola virus that comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that is identical or substantially homologous to peptide 165 (SEQ ID NO: 2), comprising contacting the T cells with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) peptide 165 (SEQ ID NO: 2), b) an immunogenic mutant or fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the immunogenic mutant or fragment maintains the function of peptide 165 as a CD8 T cell epitope of the vaccinia or variola virus, and c) a combination thereof, wherein activation of the T cells by the polypeptide indicates that the T cells become activated in the presence of the vaccinia or variola virus.