Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Although substantial evidence suggests that T cells are important in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), little is known of the differentiation status of CD4+ T cells specific for common environmental allergens. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, differentiation phenotype, and function of circulating allergen-specific CD4+ T cells in adult individuals with severe persistent AD and controls. METHODS: Using tetrameric complexes of an HLA DRB1*0101 restricted epitope from Fel d 1, the major IgE-reactive component of cat dander, we studied ex vivo and cultured T-cell frequency and phenotype in individuals with AD and healthy controls. Cytokine secretion was measured by ex vivo and cultured IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 enzyme linked immuno-spot analysis. RESULTS: Ex vivo Fel d 1-specific DRB1*0101-restricted CD4+ T cells express high levels of CCR7, CD62L, CD27, and CD28 and proportionately low levels of tissue-specific homing receptors and TH1 and TH2 cytokine production, placing the cells largely within the central memory subgroup. CONCLUSION: Circulating Fel d 1-specific DRB1*0101-restricted CD4+ T cells maintain central memory capacity, consistent with a potential to contribute to persisting clinical atopic disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Persisting central memory characteristics of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells in individuals with AD may contribute to chronic disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jaci.2006.07.040

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Allergy Clin Immunol

Publication Date

12/2006

Volume

118

Pages

1350 - 1356

Keywords

Adult, Allergens, CD28 Antigens, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Cells, Cultured, Chronic Disease, Cytokines, Dermatitis, Atopic, Epitopes, Glycoproteins, HLA-DR Antigens, HLA-DRB1 Chains, Humans, Immunologic Memory, L-Selectin, Receptors, CCR7, Receptors, Chemokine, Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7