MHC-Restricted Presentation of a Single Repeat of MUC1 Mucin

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction of antigen presentation of a single mucin1 (MUC1) variable number of tandem repeats peptide (VNTR1) was examined by generating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with a single repeat MUC1 peptide presented by allogeneic (MHC-independent) or autologous (MHC-dependent) Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) immortalized B lymphocytes. The ability to generate greater CTL activity against MUC1-expressing tumor cells by stimulation with autologous versus allogeneic EBV-B supports the hypothesis that presentation of a single repeat of MUC1 peptide is MHC-restricted (MHC-dependent).