T-cell epitopes of aeroallergens

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current knowledge of the T-cell epitopes of common aeroallergens, how they were discovered, and implications for future therapy.

Data sources: PubMed search of English-language articles without date limits pertaining to T-cell epitopes of aeroallergens included on a standard skin test panel.

Study selection: A total of 127 articles were screened based on the results of the PubMed search and cross-indexed as needed. The highest quality and most clinically relevant articles were included for discussion.

Results: Of the 47 allergen extracts included on the standard skin test panel at our instittition, T-cell epitopes have been described for 13. Immunodominant epitopes have been used for peptide immunotherapy trials.

Conclusions: T-cell epitopes have been characterized for a minority of common aeroallergens. However, knowledge is rapidly expanding and can lay the groundwork for therapies that specifically target T cells.