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V[beta]18.1+ and V[alpha]2.3+ T-cell subsets are associated with house dust mite allergy in human subjects

Background:The recognition of allergenic peptides by T cells through their T-cell receptor (TCR) represents a crucial step in the initiation of an allergen-specific immune response. In parallel to the superantigen-driven restricted expansion of Vβ subsets in autoimmune and infectious diseases, repor...

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Published in:Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2002-03, Vol.109 (3), p.517
Main Authors: Kircher, Moritz F, Haeusler, Tom, Nickel, Renate, Lamb, Jonathan R, Renz, Harald, Beyer, Kirsten
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Background:The recognition of allergenic peptides by T cells through their T-cell receptor (TCR) represents a crucial step in the initiation of an allergen-specific immune response. In parallel to the superantigen-driven restricted expansion of Vβ subsets in autoimmune and infectious diseases, reports in animals and human subjects have shown a similar capacity of classical antigens.Objective:The study was performed to analyze the Vα/Vβ expression in house dust mite (HDM) allergy.Methods:The TCR repertoire of 15 subjects with HDM allergy, 22 atopic subjects without HDM allergy, and 19 nonatopic individuals, members of 2 extended and 4 nuclear families, was determined. By using flow cytometry, the expression of 22 Vβ and 3 Vα elements was analyzed in vivo and after in vitro allergen stimulation.Results:In comparison with nonatopic and atopic individuals without HDM allergy, freshly isolated PBMCs of individuals with HDM allergy showed a significantly higher frequency of Vβ18+and Vα2.3+T cells. Although members of all 3 groups had a similar lymphocyte proliferation response after in vitro stimulation with Der p 1 or Der p 1 peptide101-131, a significant expansion of Vβ18+and Vα2.3+T cells in vitro occurred only in individuals with HDM allergy. Moreover, the degree of expansion correlated with the levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. No expansion of Vβ18+and Vα2.3+was observed after mitogen stimulation with PHA, indicating allergen specificity of the response.Conclusion:Our results strongly suggest restricted TCR Vα/Vβ gene use in HDM allergy and might be a step toward TCR-based immunotherapy. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:517-23.)
ISSN:0091-6749
1097-6825
DOI:10.1067/mai.2002.121945