LCMV gp33–41

Product Name: LCMV gp33–41

Sequence One Letter Code: KAVYNFATM

Sequence Three Letter Code: H-Lys-Ala-Val-Tyr-Asn-Phe-Ala-Thr-Met-OH

Chemical Formula:C48H73N11O13S

Molecular Weight: 1044.3

Purity: 95%

Form: Lyophilized

Storage Conditions: - 20 °C

Research Area: Inflammation and Immunology Research

Source / Species: LCMV

Conjugation: Unconjugated

Code Nacres: NA.26

Application: LCMV gp33–41 (H-2Db) is a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 33–41 of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus glycoprotein. This well-characterized immunodominant epitope is presented by the H-2Db MHC class I molecule and is extensively used in murine models of viral infection. The peptide induces strong CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and serves as a standard antigen in studies of T cell activation, effector differentiation, and memory formation. It is frequently applied in adoptive transfer experiments, vaccine research, and analyses of immune exhaustion and tolerance. This peptide supports mechanistic investigations into antigen-specific antiviral immunity and T cell–mediated immune regulation.

Current Research: LCMV gp33–41 (H-2Dᵇ) is a synthetic nonamer peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 33–41 of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) glycoprotein. This epitope is presented by the murine MHC class I molecule H-2Dᵇ and represents one of the most extensively characterized immunodominant CD8⁺ T cell epitopes in experimental viral immunology. Due to its robust and reproducible induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, gp33–41 is widely used as a model antigen in murine infection studies. During LCMV infection, viral glycoprotein is processed by the proteasome, and peptide fragments are transported into the endoplasmic reticulum via TAP for loading onto H-2Dᵇ molecules. The gp33–41 peptide binds with high affinity to H-2Dᵇ and is displayed on the surface of infected cells, where it is recognized by T cell receptors (TCRs) on antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells. This interaction triggers clonal expansion, acquisition of effector functions, and targeted lysis of infected cells. Functionally, gp33–41 induces strong CD8⁺ T cell activation characterized by proliferation, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion, and perforin- and granzyme-mediated cytotoxicity. The magnitude and kinetics of this response make it a standard readout for evaluating T cell priming and effector differentiation. In vitro stimulation with gp33–41 is commonly used in intracellular cytokine staining assays, ELISPOT analyses, cytotoxicity assays, and tetramer staining with H-2Dᵇ/gp33 complexes to quantify antigen-specific T cells. The gp33–41 epitope is central to both acute and chronic LCMV infection models. In acute infection (e.g., LCMV Armstrong strain), gp33-specific CD8⁺ T cells expand rapidly and contribute to efficient viral clearance, followed by contraction and establishment of memory populations. In chronic infection models (e.g., LCMV Clone 13), persistent antigen exposure leads to progressive T cell exhaustion, characterized by reduced effector function and upregulation of inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3. Thus, gp33–41 is widely employed to study mechanisms of T cell exhaustion, checkpoint regulation, and immune restoration. Adoptive transfer systems frequently utilize TCR transgenic CD8⁺ T cells specific for gp33–41, enabling precise tracking of antigen-specific responses in vivo. These models are instrumental for dissecting T cell activation thresholds, differentiation into effector versus memory subsets, metabolic programming, and the impact of antigen load or inflammatory context on T cell fate decisions. The defined nature of the epitope allows controlled experimental manipulation of antigen exposure and TCR affinity. In vaccine research, gp33–41 is incorporated into viral vectors, DNA vaccines, and peptide-based immunization strategies to evaluate CD8⁺ T cell–mediated protective immunity. It serves as a benchmark antigen for assessing immunogenicity, memory durability, and functional recall responses. Additionally, modified variants of gp33–41 are used to study altered peptide ligand effects on TCR signaling and tolerance induction. Overall, LCMV gp33–41 (H-2Dᵇ) is a foundational epitope in murine antiviral immunology. Its strong immunodominance, well-defined MHC restriction, and compatibility with transgenic and adoptive transfer models make it an indispensable tool for investigating CD8⁺ T cell activation, effector differentiation, immune memory, exhaustion, and antigen-specific immune regulation in viral infection research.