Use of multiple peptides containing T cell epitopes is a feasible approach for peptide‐based immunotherapy in Can f 1 allergy

Summary We have previously shown that the major dog allergen Can f 1 contains seven T cell epitope regions, none of which was preferentially recognized. To identify the immune characteristics of Can f 1 epitopes and to verify their suitability for peptide‐based allergen immunotherapy, short‐term T cell lines were generated with epitope‐containing peptides from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Can f 1 skinprick test‐positive allergic and healthy control subjects. The lines were examined for their proliferative capacity and cytokine production upon stimulation with the allergen peptide, a homologous peptide from human tear lipocalin (TL) and Can f 1 and TL proteins. Can f 1 peptides induced proliferation of T cells and gave rise to T cell lines with comparable efficiencies. In particular, the T cell lines of allergic subjects induced with p33–48 and p107–122 favoured the production of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10, respectively. A greater number of Can f 1‐specific T cell lines were generated from allergic than from healthy individuals. Two p107–122‐induced Can f 1‐specific T cell lines also reacted to a homologous peptide of human TL. Our results suggest that several T cell epitope‐containing peptides should be used in combination for specific immunotherapy in Can f 1 allergy.