title: T cell receptor-V beta repertoire in allergen-specific sensitization and increased airway responsiveness.
abstract: An animal model system was developed to study the mechanisms resulting in allergic sensitization. Local allergen exposure via the airways and the lung stimulated an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) response that was paralleled by the development of increased airway responsiveness (AR). It was found that CD4+ T cells of local draining lymph nodes played an important role in the regulation of these events. Stimulation of allergen-specific T cells requires interaction between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules (expressed on antigen-presenting cells), peptide (presented on MHC) and the T cell receptor. Allergen sensitization stimulated T cells that expressed a restricted T cell receptor V beta (TCR-V beta) elements. Each allergen stimulated different V beta elements, and sensitization to the same allergen resulted in a different pattern of TCR-V beta stimulation in different lymphoid tissues. Some of these T cells had pro-allergenic effects, whereas others were able to inhibit the development of the allergic response, including the development of increased AR. These data indicate that the local T cell response regulates the type of immune response that evolves following local allergen sensitization.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Klinische Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Renz
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta