Alternaria alternata allergen-specific CD4+ T cell

Alternaria alternata allergen-specific CD4+ T cells are a specialized population of helper T lymphocytes that play a central role in the development and persistence of allergic diseases caused by the mold Alternaria alternata. These cells primarily exhibit a Th2 phenotype in sensitized individuals, recognizing specific peptide epitopes from major allergens such as Alt a 1 when presented by MHC class II molecules (Gabriel et al., 2016; Deuehl et al., 2001). Upon activation, they orchestrate allergic inflammation by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which drive the production of allergen-specific IgE and the recruitment of eosinophils to the airways (Bush and Prochnau, 2004). These T cells are the primary therapeutic targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which seeks to reprogram the immune system toward tolerance. Successful AIT leads to the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), T-cell anergy, or immune deviation, resulting in reduced allergic inflammation and clinical symptoms (Akdis and Akdis, 2014). Monitoring the frequency and cytokine profile of these cells serves as a critical biomarker for assessing the efficacy of desensitization treatments.

Other names

Alternaria-specific CD4+ T cellsAlt a 1-specific T cellsAlternaria-reactive Th2 cellsMold-specific helper T cells

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces peripheral T-cell tolerance by promoting the shift from a Th2-dominated response to a Treg or Th1-dominated response, often involving the production of IL-10 and TGF-beta (Akdis and Akdis, 2014).