T07042: Study of T cells in allergy and resolution
Friday 15 October 2004
This research project aims to understand the role of T cells in regulating responses to allergen and in the pathogenesis of allergy and resolution.
Background
Numerous studies have documented the importance of food specific IgE (sensitisation) in the development of clinical allergy. However, IgE cannot be considered in isolation, as initiation and sustained production of specific IgE requires regulation by Th2 lymphocytes. The mechanisms, which induce clinical allergy or resolution, are not well established. The generation of T regulatory cells and IL-10 appears to be important in resolution of allergy. Why certain food allergies resolve readily while others are more persistent is not clear. Characterisation of T cell responsiveness is essential to our understanding of food allergy pathogenesis and resolution.
This project aims to further our understanding of the roles played by T-lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of food allergy, and to establish their relevance for diagnosis and prognosis and as predictors of severity and likely cross-reactivity. In particular, there is need to determine what differences exist between individuals who are sensitised to a particular food allergen and those who are not, with regard to the quantity and/or quality of allergen-specific T-lymphocyte responses.
This study aims to understand the role of T cells in the regulation of responses to allergen in early life and ultimately its importance in the pathogenesis of food allergy and resolution.
Research Approach
This is a longitudinal study following 60 children with confirmed egg allergy for three years in order to capture resolution and persistence. Also included in the study are two control groups (sensitised but non-allergic and non-sensitised non-egg allergic) made up of 20 children each.
Patients will be repeatedly challenged and tested for specific IgE. T cell proliferation and TH1/2 cytokine production will be measured annually, longitudinally, to demonstrate changes in T cell proliferation and cytokine production (IL-4/10 and IFN-ץ) in children whose allergy resolves or persists. Subjects from both control groups will be tested at enrolment and again in the final year of the project.