MHC-restricted presentation of a single repeat of MUC1 mucin.

Major histocompatibility complex ( MHC) restriction of antigen presentation of a single mucin1 ( MUC1) variable number of tandem repeats peptide ( VNTR1) was examined by generating cytotoxic T lymphocytes ( CTL) derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC) stimulated with a single repeat MUC1 peptide presented by allogeneic ( MHC-independent) or autologous ( MHC-dependent) Epstein-Barr Virus ( EBV) immortalized B lymphocytes. The ability to generate greater CTL activity against MUC1-expressing tumor cells by stimulation with autologous versus allogeneic EBV-B supports the hypothesis that presentation of a single repeat of MUC1 peptide is MHC-restricted ( MHC-dependent).