| abstract |
Provided are methods of identifying peptide epitopes of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule of an antigen, such as a tumor antigen, autoimmune antigen or pathogenic antigen. In some embodiments, the methods relate to using cytomegalovirus containing a nucleic acid molecule encoding the antigen to infect cells under conditions to generate particular peptide epitopes of the antigen. Also provided are methods of identifying peptide binding molecules that bind to a peptide epitope in the context of an MHC molecule. In some embodiments, the peptide binding molecule is a T cell receptor (TCR) or antibody, including antigen-binding fragments thereof and chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) thereof. Also provided are methods of genetically engineering cells containing such peptide binding molecules, and such genetically engineered cells, including compositions and uses thereof in adoptive cell therapy. |