Fel d 1-specific CD4-positive T cell

Fel d 1-specific CD4-positive T cells are a specialized subset of lymphocytes that recognize epitopes of the major cat allergen, Fel d 1 (Felis domesticus allergen 1) [Source: J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 2013]. In individuals with cat allergies, these cells typically differentiate into a Th2 phenotype, secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which drive the production of allergen-specific IgE and the recruitment of eosinophils [Source: PubMed, PMID: 23453134]. These cells are the primary biological target for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which seeks to reprogram the immune system toward tolerance [Source: Allergy, 2017]. Therapeutic agents like Cat-PAD (ToleroMune) consist of synthetic peptides that target the T-cell receptors (TCRs) of these cells to induce anergy or promote the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) [Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01620138]. By modulating the activity and frequency of Fel d 1-specific T cells, these therapies seek to reduce clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma upon exposure to cats [Source: Nature Reviews Immunology, 2014]. Successful treatment is often monitored by a shift in the ratio of allergen-specific IgE to IgG4 and a decrease in Th2 cytokine production [Source: J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 2016].

Other names

Fel d 1-specific T cellFel d 1-reactive T lymphocyteCat allergen-specific T cellFel d 1-specific CD4+ T cell

Induction of immune tolerance through T-cell anergy, deletion, or immune deviation from Th2 to Th1/Treg responses.