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Review
. 2003 Aug;3(4):261-7.
doi: 10.1097/00130832-200308000-00005.

Cross-reactivity with drugs at the T cell level

Jan P H Depta  1 , Werner J Pichler
Affiliations
Review

Cross-reactivity with drugs at the T cell level

Jan P H Depta et al. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cross-reactivity with drugs is an important clinical problem in drug hypersensitivity. Once a patient is labeled 'drug-allergic' all drugs of the same class are withheld and future therapeutic interventions are limited. Here we review cross-reactivity with drugs at the T cell level.

Recent findings: Analysis of T cell recognition of various classes of drugs (beta-lactam antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anesthetics) using T cell clones suggests that at the T cell level the whole structure, in particular the core and to a lesser degree side chains, are recognized.

Summary: It is necessary to differentiate cross-reactivity mediated by T cells and antibodies as only the latter seem to recognize side chains exclusively.

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