Definition of the human T-cell epitopes of Fel d 1, the major allergen of the domestic cat.
J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996;
98:884-94. [PMID:
8939151 DOI:
10.1016/s0091-6749(96)80004-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A heterodimeric acidic glycoprotein (Fel d 1) has been defined as the major allergen of the domestic cat. Because T-cell help is required for the initiation and maintenance of allergic responses, it is of importance to determine the T-cell-reactive regions of the Fel d 1 molecule.
METHODS
Overlapping peptides corresponding to the two chains of Fel d 1 were tested in proliferation assays on polyclonal T-cell lines and for the ability to bind Fel d 1-specific IgE in ELISA and histamine release assays.
RESULTS
Assay of T-cell lines derived from 53 subjects allergic to cats demonstrated that the majority of T-cell reactivity is found in chain 1 of Fel d 1. Two peptides (Fel-1 and Fel-2) containing major epitopes, alone or as a mixture, efficiently activated T cells and exhibited minimal detectable reactivity with IgE by ELISA or histamine release assay.
CONCLUSIONS
Two Fel d 1 peptides containing major T-cell epitopes have been identified, have been shown to bind minimal Fel d 1-specific IgE, and are now being tested for the ability to decrease T-cell responses in patients with cat allergy as a new form of immunotherapy.
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