11.3 De-immunization

De-immunization (Module 11: The Healer). Key concept: Identifying and mutating T-cell epitopes. Explain how MHC class II presents peptides: a 13 to 25-residue peptide with a 9-residue core anchored at P1, P4, P6 and P9.

• Explain how MHC class II presents peptides: a 13 to 25-residue peptide with a 9-residue core anchored at P1, P4, P6 and P9
• Scan a sequence for high-affinity epitope regions
• Mutate anchor positions to lower an epitope score
• Weigh immunogenicity reduction against the fold: a proline is an excellent anchor disruptor, and a helix is the wrong place for one
• Accept a residual epitope when clearing it would cost the core or the binding site