21-Hydroxylase epitopes are targeted by CD8 T cells in autoimmune Addison’s disease

In autoimmune adrenal deficiency, autoantibodies target the 21-hydroxylase (21OH) protein. However, it is presumed that autoreactive T cells, rather than antibodies, are the main effectors of adrenal gland destruction, but their identification is still lacking. We performed a T-cell epitope mapping study using 49 overlapping 20mer peptides covering the 21OH sequence in patients with isolated Addison’s disease, Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome 1 and 2. IFNγ ELISPOT responses against these peptides were stronger, broader and more prevalent among patients than in controls, whatever the disease presentation. Five peptides elicited T-cell responses in patients only (68% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Blocking experiments identified IFNγ–producing cells as CD8 T lymphocytes, with two peptides frequently recognized in HLA-B8+ patients and a third one targeted in HLA-B35+ subjects. In particular, the 21OH431–450 peptide was highly immunodominant, as it was recognized in more than 30% of patients, all carrying the HLA-B8 restriction element. This 21OH431–450 region contained an EPLARLEL octamer (21OH431–438) predicted to bind to HLA-B8 with high affinity. Indeed, circulating EPLARLEL-specific CD8 T cells were detected at significant frequencies in HLA-B8+ patients but not in controls by HLA tetramer staining. This report enlightens disease-specific T-cell biomarkers and epitopes targeted in autoimmune adrenal deficiency.