Allergen-specific Th2 responses in young children precede sensitization later in life.
Allergic sensitization is initiated by allergen-specific Th2-cell responses. Data on early allergen-specific T-cell responses in allergic children are scarce. We hypothesized that allergen-specific Th2-cell responses can be detected preceding sensitization. Therefore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of nonsensitized, 'not-yet' sensitized or sensitized children were cultured with highly purified allergens. Cytokine levels in supernatant were determined using multiplex assay and GATA3 expression by flow cytometry. PBMC of sensitized children aged 3 and 5 years showed higher production of IL4, IL5 and IL13 and higher expression of GATA3 in response to purified allergens compared to nonsensitized children. PBMC of children that were 'not-yet' sensitized already showed higher levels of IL5 and IL13 and higher GATA3 expression at age 3 years. This shows that allergen-specific in vitro Th2 responses precede the detection of allergen-specific IgE, which can provide a window of opportunity for novel therapeutic interventions.
Laboratory for Translational Immunology, Department of Pediatric Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
L L
LL
Reubsaet
J
J
Meerding
R
R
Scholman
B
B
Arets
B J
BJ
Prakken
F
F
van Wijk
E F
EF
Knol
D000367:Age Factors; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000485:Allergens; D016207:Cytokines; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D007073:Immunoglobulin E
T-cell responses; allergy; children; cytokines; immunoglobulin E