T-cell immunotherapy of allergic disease: the role of CD8+ T cells

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003 Dec;3(6):475-9. doi: 10.1097/00130832-200312000-00009.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The scope of this review is to place recent advances in T-cell immunotherapy into an account of our understanding of the potential role of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of allergic disease.

Recent findings: Studies over the last year suggest that changes in CD8+ T-cell function may represent key events in successful T-cell immunotherapy. The first human human leukocyte antigen class I allergen epitopes have now been described and will provide further insights into the role of allergen-specific CD8+ T cells.

Summary: The coupling of recent technical advances in the study of antigen-specific T cells with the knowledge of human allergen class I epitopes will promote rapid progress in the field, with potential consequences for the diagnosis, monitoring and immunotherapeutic treatment of affected individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • HLA-A Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Immunotherapy*

Substances

  • HLA-A Antigens