Vaccination with DNA encoding human T-cell epitopes suppresses Der p induced allergic responses in mice.
The apparent complexity of allergen-specific T-cell response in terms of epitope usage in humans is a potential barrier to peptide-based immunotherapy for allergy. A knowledge of cross-reacting T-cell epitopes of common allergens might have an impact on the development of vaccines for immunotherapy. We examined the efficiency of vaccinating with plasmid DNA coding only human T-cell epitopes on the suppression of allergic reactions in mice. BALB/c mice that received an injection of mixed naked DNA plasmids encoding the five classes of human T-cell epitopes on Der p 1 and Der p 2 produced a significant reduction in total and Der p-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis. In Der p specific-IgG2a antibody responses, vaccinated mice showed more prominent responses than controls. Higher levels of interferon-gamma, a Th1 cytokine associated with the suppression of IgE production, were found in the sera of vaccinated mice. Histologic studies showed a marked reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung tissues of vaccinated mice vs. controls. These results suggest that vaccination with DNA encoding human T-cell epitopes effectively inhibits allergic responses in mice and might induce cross-regulation on helper T-cell level in vivo.
Kwon
Soon Seog
SS
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Medical College, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Nack Sung
NS
Yoo
Tai June
TJ
D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology*; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010957:Plasmids; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; C451163:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 2; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C451162:Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1