An ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cell line (TCL) was established from a patient with hen egg allergy. The TCL was CD4+, expressed αβ T cell receptor, and recognized OVA presented by HLA-DR10. Based on the response of the TCL to synthetic OVA peptides, it was found that the TCL recognized OVA 323–339, which is a major T cell epitope presented by murine I-Ad. The TCL secreted high levels of IL-5, but undetectable amounts of IL-2, interferon-γ, and IL-4 when stimulated with OVA or the OVA 323–339 peptide. Since IL-5 is an important growth and chemotactic factor for eosinophils, it is possible that these OVA 323–339-specific T cells can contribute to human egg allergy. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of food allergen-specific TCL establishment and identification of a T cell epitope possibly related to the allergic reaction to food antigens. An analog peptide of the OVA 323–339 which is known to strongly bind to I-Ad partially inhibited the response of the TCL to OVA 323–339 presented by HLA-DR10, raising the possibility of peptide-based immunotherapy of food allergy.

Keywords:
Ovalbumin, T cell line, Epitope, Analog peptide, Cytokine, Allergy, hen egg
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
1994
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.