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 Accumulating evidence suggests that T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD); yet, little is known of the differentiation status of CD4 + T cells specific for common environmental allergens, such as the major cat allergen, Fel d 1. Objective To determine the frequency, differentiation phenotype and function of circulating Fel d 1-specific CD4 + T cells in adult individuals with severe persistent AD in comparison with healthy controls. Methods Using HLA class II tetrameric complexes based on a HLA-DPB1 *0401-restricted Fel d 1 epitope, ex vivo and cultured T cell frequency and phenotype were analysed in individuals with AD and healthy controls. Cytokine secretion was measured by ex vivo and cultured IL-4 and IFN-γ ELISpots. Results Ex vivo Fel d 1-specific DPB1 *0401-restricted CD4 + T cells in both atopics and non-atopics express high levels of CCR7, CD62L, CD27 and CD28, placing the cells largely within the central memory subgroup. However, the functional phenotype was distinct, with greater IL-4 production from the cells derived from atopics, which correlated with disease severity. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Circulating Fel d 1-specific DPB1 *0401-restricted CD4 + T cells in both atopic and non-atopic donors maintain a central memory phenotype; however in atopics, the cells had greater Th2 effector function, compatible with a disease model of altered antigen delivery in atopic individuals. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03819.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clinical and Experimental Allergy

Publication Date

01/11/2011

Volume

41

Pages

1555 - 1567