Characterization of Allergen (Bet v 1)-Specific T Cell Lines and Clones from Non-Allergic Individuals

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Abstract
The immune response towards allergens in non-allergic healthy individuals was investigated. T cell lines (TCL) with specificity for Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, were established and analysed for epitope specificity. 49 T cell clones (TCC) specific for Bet v 1 were isolated from TCLs. All TCCs revealed the Th phenotype. Cytokine production in response to specific stimulation revealed a majority of Th clones producing interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ; however, most TCCs revaled a low IL-4/IFN-γ ratio. Immunoblot revealed Bet v 1-specific IgG in non-allergic individuals whereas no IgE could be detected. Our results indicate that T cells from allergic and non-allergic individuals recognize the same epitopes on allergenic molecules, leading to activation, which then results in a differential production of cytokines and consequently to differential isotype switching in allergen-specific B cells.

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