Cat allergen-specific T cells

Human Th1 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) specific for cat allergens, primarily the major secretoglobin Fel d 1, are central to the pathophysiology and treatment of cat allergy. In sensitized individuals, the immune system exhibits a Th2-biased response to cat dander, leading to IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation and allergic symptoms (Akdis & Akdis, 2014). Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) targets these specific T cell populations to induce peripheral tolerance. Successful AIT results in immune deviation, where the Th2 response is suppressed and replaced by an increase in allergen-specific Th1 cells and IL-10-producing Tregs (Larche et al., 2006). These regulatory cells produce cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta, which inhibit allergic inflammation and promote the production of non-inflammatory IgG4 antibodies (Grönlund et al., 2010). While these cells are a biological population rather than a single molecule, they are the functional focus of treatments aimed at curing cat allergy.

Other names

Human Th1 and regulatory T cells specific for cat allergensFel d 1-specific T cellsAllergen-specific T cellsCat allergen-specific Th1 cellsCat allergen-specific regulatory T cells

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell immune deviation and suppression of the Th2-mediated allergic response.