Systematic mapping of CD4+ T cell epitopes in Nipah and measles viruses reveals cross-reactive immune targets for vaccine development

Paramyxoviruses comprise a diverse family of viruses that threaten global human health through direct infection and zoonotic transmission.

Understanding adaptive immune responses to these viruses is critical for characterizing host-pathogen interactions and evaluating vaccine performance.

We identify broad epitope repertoires, including 186 Nipah and 288 measles epitopes recognized in multiple donors.

They define conserved T cell epitope regions (CTERs) that drive cross-reactive T cell responses across Paramyxoviruses, providing a framework for vaccine strategies that enhance population coverage and pandemic preparedness.