T lymphocytes in food allergy: overview of an intricate network of circulating and organ-resident cells

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2002 Jun;13(3):162-71. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-3038.2002.01015.x.

Abstract

Although food hypersensitivity might be divided in IgE- and non-IgE mediated food allergy, there is a large body of evidence implicating T lymphocytes overall in the pathogenesis of food allergy. Priming of naive T cells will occur mainly in Peyer's patches (PP), where surface receptors (l-selectin, CCR7 and CXCR4) will help to initiate diapedesis of the cells to the submucosa. Various antigen-presenting cells (e.g. dendritic cells, M cells) will present food antigen-derived epitopes and initiate either non-responsiveness, or a food-mediated immune response. Food-specific memory T cells express various surface receptors such as the alpha4beta7-integrin, or the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen. It is speculated, that they might also express specific chemokine receptors (CCR4, CCR7 or CCR9). Organ-specific homing will be facilitated through the corresponding receptors (i.e. MAdCAM-1 in the gut, VCAM-1 or fibronectin in other mucosal organs, or E-selectin in the skin). Locally secreted chemokines might help to attract T cells through their corresponding chemokine receptors. Finally, potential T-cell directed therapeutic interventions (peptide-derived immunotherapy, DNA vaccination, or strategies preventing T cells from trafficking to target organs) are discussed.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Allergens
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Child
  • Digestive System / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Food Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Food Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Immunotherapy
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Models, Immunological
  • Peyer's Patches / immunology
  • Receptors, Chemokine / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Chemokines
  • Integrins
  • Receptors, Chemokine