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Peptide modulation of allergen-specific immune responses
G F Hoyne1, N M Kristensen, H Yssel
1Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Allergen peptides can induce anergy in T-helper cells and downregulate immune responses in animal models. Clinical trials are investigating peptide therapy for desensitization in humans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- T-cell Biology
Background:
- T-helper cells play a crucial role in allergic responses.
- Allergen immunotherapy aims to modulate immune responses to allergens.
- Understanding T-cell anergy is key to developing effective allergy treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of in vitro peptide stimulation on T-helper cells.
- To examine the impact of allergen-derived peptides on immune responses in animal models.
- To review preliminary clinical trial data on peptide therapy for desensitization.
Main Methods:
- In vitro stimulation of T-helper type 1 (Th1) and type 0 cells with peptides.
- Administration of allergen-derived peptides in experimental animal models.
- Analysis of cell surface phenotype, cytokine production, and antibody levels.
- Review of preliminary clinical trial results for peptide immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- In vitro peptide stimulation without costimulatory signals induced T-cell anergy, altering cell phenotype and cytokine production.
- In animal models, allergen peptides transiently activated CD4+ T cells, leading to suppressed cytokine and antibody production without inducing effector immunity.
- Early clinical trial data on peptide desensitization is emerging.
Conclusions:
- Peptide stimulation can induce immune tolerance through T-cell anergy.
- Allergen-derived peptides show potential for downregulating allergic immune responses.
- Clinical trials are essential to determine the efficacy of peptide therapy in humans for allergy desensitization.