Computer-based design of an HLA-haplotype and HIV-clade independent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) assay for monitoring HIV-specific immunity

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)specific CD8-positive cytotoxic T-tymphocytes (CTL) play a key role in controlling HIV infection. Monitoring CTL response could be clinically relevant during structured therapy interruption (STI), HIV exposure, and vaccine trials. However, HLA patients' restriction and HIV variability limited the development of a CTL assay with broad specificity.