Allergen-specific B cells and T cells

Allergen-specific B cells and T cells represent the cellular foundation of the adaptive immune response to allergens, playing a central role in the pathogenesis of Type I hypersensitivity (Larche et al., 2006). In sensitized individuals, allergen-specific T-helper 2 (Th2) cells orchestrate the allergic cascade by secreting cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which signal B cells to undergo class-switch recombination to produce allergen-specific IgE (Shamji & Durham, 2017). These IgE antibodies bind to high-affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils, priming them for degranulation upon subsequent allergen exposure. Therapeutic interventions, most notably allergen immunotherapy (AIT), target these cell populations to induce long-term clinical tolerance (Globig et al., 2024). AIT works by shifting the immune profile from a Th2-dominated response to one characterized by regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells, which produce suppressive cytokines like IL-10 and promote the production of protective IgG4 antibodies (Akdis & Akdis, 2014).

Other names

Allergen-specific lymphocytesAllergen-specific Th2 cellsAllergen-specific T cellsAllergen-specific B cellsIgE-producing B cells

Induction of immune tolerance through the expansion of regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells, suppression of Th2-mediated inflammation, and induction of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies (Akdis & Akdis, 2014; Shamji & Durham, 2017).