Increased Numbers of Th2-Like CD4+ T Cells in Target Organs and in the Allergen-Specific Repertoire of Allergic Patients

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Abstract
Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced human T cell clones (TCC) derived from conjunctival flogistic tissues of 3 patients with vernal conjunctivitis produced unusually high amounts of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and no, or limited amounts of, gamma-interferon (IFN-γ). Allergen (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or Lolium perenne group I)-specific TCC derived from peripheral blood of two atopic donors produced significantly higher amounts of IL-4 and significantly lower amounts of IFN-γ than TCC specific for bacterial antigens (tetanus toxoid and PPD) contemporarily established from the same donors. These data provide evidence for a compartimentalization of Th2-like helper T cells in target organs and in the allergen-specific T cell repertoire of allergic patients. Non-B, non-Tbone marrow cells could produce IL-4, but not IL-2 or IFN-γ, in response to cross-linkage of Fcε type I receptors. These cells may further contribute to the maintenance and amplification of allergic inflammation.

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