Inhaltszusammenfassung

BACKGROUND: Atopy and IgE production are associated with enhanced allergen-specific T(H)2 responses. Therefore a causative treatment may result from the deviation of this T(H)2-dominated immune response toward a T(H)1 response. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to analyze whether dendritic cells, the most potent antigen-presenting cells that are also known to induce antigen-specific T(H)1 responses, are suitable for therapy of atopic diseases by shifting the allergen-specific T(H)2 respon...BACKGROUND: Atopy and IgE production are associated with enhanced allergen-specific T(H)2 responses. Therefore a causative treatment may result from the deviation of this T(H)2-dominated immune response toward a T(H)1 response. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to analyze whether dendritic cells, the most potent antigen-presenting cells that are also known to induce antigen-specific T(H)1 responses, are suitable for therapy of atopic diseases by shifting the allergen-specific T(H)2 response toward a T(H)1 response. METHODS: Monocyte-derived dendritic cells were used to present allergens in vitro to autologous CD4(+) T cells of allergic persons. Because collagen type I activates dendritic cells and enhances the secretion of IL-12, we performed allergen presentation assays also in the presence of collagen type I. RESULTS: After stimulation with allergen-pulsed dendritic cells the production of IFN-gamma as well as that of IL-4 and IL-5 by CD4(+) T cells was enhanced. In the presence of collagen type I, however, a significant shift toward a T(H)1 response with increased production of IFN-gamma and a decreased production of IL-5 could be observed. When T cells were stimulated directly with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 in the absence of antigen-presenting cells, it was demonstrated that collagen type I also exerted a direct effect on T cells, increasing their IFN-gamma production. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that collagen type I influences dendritic cells as well as T cells in a way that a shift in cytokine production results in a T(H)1 response even in already-sensitized atopic individuals.» weiterlesen» einklappen

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Klassifikation

DFG Fachgebiet:
2.21 - Mikrobiologie, Virologie und Immunologie

DDC Sachgruppe:
Medizin