Design of agonistic altered peptides for the robust induction of CTL directed towards H-2Db in complex with the melanoma-associated epitope gp100.

T cells from mice immunized with the human orthologue of the epitope or a 20-mer peptide, KVP-long, containing the peptide, cross-reacted with the epitope. The response was stronger in analog KGP (KGPRNQDWL)-immunized mice and weaker in analog EVP (EVPRNQDWL)-immunized mice. T cells from mice immunized with the EGP (EGPRNQDWL) analog of the epitope or a 20-mer peptide, EGP-long, cross-reacted strongly with the epitope.