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High-dose allergen exposure leads to tolerance
1Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA. jaw4m@virginia.edu
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|April 19, 2005
Summary
High exposure to cat allergen (Fel d 1) may induce tolerance, not allergy, by modifying the immune response. This involves regulatory T cells and specific Fel d 1 epitopes, offering potential new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergen Exposure
- Immune Tolerance
Background:
- Conflicting data exists on cat allergen (Fel d 1) exposure and sensitization.
- High-dose Fel d 1 can induce a nonallergic immune response with a unique antibody profile.
- Understanding this modified T-helper (Th)2 response is key to exploring IgE antibody control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss immune mechanisms of tolerance to allergens.
- To explore the role of high-dose allergen exposure and factors like endotoxin in tolerance development.
- To investigate the specific properties of Fel d 1 that contribute to its tolerogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological and immunological data on Fel d 1 exposure and sensitization.
- Analysis of T-cell responses and antibody profiles associated with high-dose Fel d 1 exposure.
- Identification of major T-cell epitopes of Fel d 1 and their role in inducing regulatory factors.
Main Results:
- High-dose Fel d 1 exposure can lead to a modified Th2 response, suggesting tolerance rather than allergy.
- This modified response is influenced by allergen dose and host genetics.
- Specific Fel d 1 epitopes that induce regulatory factors, including interleukin-10, have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Fel d 1 possesses unique characteristics that promote immune tolerance.
- Defects in T-cell responses to specific Fel d 1 epitopes are linked to high-titer IgE in atopic dermatitis.
- Targeting Fel d 1 epitopes that induce interleukin-10 may offer novel therapeutic strategies for allergies.