ovalbumin-specific regulatory T cells

Ovalbumin-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a population of CD4+Foxp3+ immunoregulatory lymphocytes that specifically recognize the egg protein ovalbumin via their T cell receptor. These cells can be generated either by in vitro polarization of naïve CD4+ T cells from transgenic mice expressing an ovalbumin-reactive TCR or by engineering approaches such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or B-cell antigen receptor (BAR) expression. Ovalbumin-specific Tregs suppress immune responses to the allergen and have been shown in preclinical models to reduce allergic inflammation and anaphylaxis upon transfer into sensitized animals. Their mechanism involves suppression of effector CD4+ and CD8+ responses, modulation of cytokine production, and induction of immune tolerance to the specific allergen[1][3][6]. They are being studied primarily as a cell therapy for severe food allergy and other allergic diseases.

Other names

OVA-specific TregsOVA-Tregsallergen-specific regulatory T cells (for ovalbumin)OVA-BAR Tregs (when engineered with B-cell antigen receptor specificity)