The IEDB accepts submission of data from the research community under the following conditions.
- Epitope structure (conformational or linear sequences) is clearly defined
- The structure is tested as either the immunogen or the antigen in a standard in vivo and/or in vitro immunological assay
- Epitopes identified by methods such as X-ray crystallography must have a valid PDB ID and be publicly viewable records at the time of submission.
The IEDB data submission process is facilitated by an online data submission tool (DST). The DST provides submitters with one primary method to submit data:
- Spreadsheet Submission: Submitters are provided with tab-delimited template files (spreadsheets) corresponding to the various types of data that can be submitted (MHC binding, MHC Ligand Elution, T cell, B cell), as well as a submission file where important submission details are reported. These files serve as data entry forms where the submitter formats the data according to guidelines. Upon completion, the submitter then submits the validated files to the IEDB, where IEDB personnel review and transfer the data to the IEDB website where it will be publicly accessible after submitter approval. This format is recommended for large-scale data submissions.
Submission of data will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval and prioritization of the IEDB’s Program Officer at NIAID. The IEDB is constrained from accepting epitope data related to HIV and cancer except under certain conditions. Requests for submitting data and account creation can be made at jcantrell@lji.org and must include the specific epitope category (e.g. infectious disease - Plasmodium falciparum, autoimmunity - multiple sclerosis), epitope type (e.g., B cell, T cell, non-conventional T cell, MHC binding), total number of epitopes, and total number of assays. IEDB staff will work with researchers in submitting their data.
The IEDB staff is available to provide support to the submitter throughout the submission process. New users can obtain an account to access the DST by contacting submissionsupport@iedb.org.