The molecular basis of allergenicity

Allergens are mostly innocuous antigens that elicit powerful T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses leading to hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and allergy. Research carried out over several years has highlighted the possible role of the inherent protease activity, surface features and glycosyl...

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Veröffentlicht in:Trends in immunology 2008-12, Vol.29 (12), p.633-642
Hauptverfasser: Shakib, Farouk, Ghaemmaghami, Amir M, Sewell, Herb F
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Allergens are mostly innocuous antigens that elicit powerful T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses leading to hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and allergy. Research carried out over several years has highlighted the possible role of the inherent protease activity, surface features and glycosylation patterns of allergens in the engagement of a Th2 signalling pathway. It is thought that allergens possess common features and patterns that enable them to be recognized by innate immune defences as Th2-inducing antigens. These events are further amplified by proteolytically active allergens through digestion of cell surface molecules involved in regulating innate and adaptive immune functions, favouring Th2 responses. A greater understanding of the molecular features that make proteins allergenic will help define new therapeutic targets aimed at blocking allergen recognition and protease activity.
ISSN:1471-4906
1471-4981
DOI:10.1016/j.it.2008.08.007