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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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Extraction of Tissue Antigens for Functional Assays
Published on: September 10, 2012
T-cell epitopes of aeroallergens
Adrian G Letz1, Christopher W Calabria
1Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, USA. adrian.letz@lackland.af.mil
Summary
Researchers reviewed T-cell epitopes of common airborne allergens (substances causing allergies). While characterized for only a few, this knowledge is growing and may lead to new T-cell targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T-cell epitopes are crucial for understanding allergic responses.
- Identifying these epitopes is key to developing targeted immunotherapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on T-cell epitopes of common aeroallergens.
- To outline discovery methods and therapeutic implications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed for T-cell epitopes of standard aeroallergens.
- Screening and selection of 127 relevant articles for review.
Main Results:
- T-cell epitopes identified for 13 out of 47 common aeroallergens.
- Immunodominant epitopes have been utilized in peptide immunotherapy trials.
Conclusions:
- Characterization of T-cell epitopes is incomplete for most aeroallergens.
- Expanding knowledge of T-cell epitopes supports development of novel T-cell specific therapies.
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Cross-reactivity
Overview
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Allergic Reactions
Overview
Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
