Vbeta18.1(+) and V(alpha)2.3(+) T-cell subsets are associated with house dust mite allergy in human subjects

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 Vbeta subsets in autoimmune and infectious diseases, reports in animals and human subjects have shown a similar capacity of classical antigens.

The study was performed to analyze the V(alpha)/Vbeta expression in house dust mite (HDM) allergy.

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 Vbeta and 3 V(alpha) elements was analyzed in vivo and after in vitro allergen stimulation.

In comparison with nonatopic and atopic individuals without HDM allergy, freshly isolated PBMCs of individuals with HDM allergy showed a significantly higher frequency of Vbeta18(+) and V(alpha)2.3(+) 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 peptide(101-131), a significant expansion of Vbeta18(+) and V(alpha)2.3(+) 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 Vbeta18(+) and V(alpha)2.3(+) was observed after mitogen stimulation with PHA, indicating allergen specificity of the response.

Our results strongly suggest restricted TCR V(alpha)/Vbeta gene use in HDM allergy and might be a step toward TCR-based immunotherapy.