Grass pollen allergen-specific CD4+ T lymphocyte (Grass pollen-specific CD4+ T cell)

Grass pollen allergen-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes are a specialized subset of memory T cells that drive the allergic immune response to grass pollen antigens, most notably from Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) (Wambre et al., Sci Transl Med, 2011). In allergic individuals, these cells typically exhibit a T helper 2 (Th2) phenotype, characterized by the secretion of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which promote IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation (Durham & Penagos, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2016). These cells are the primary therapeutic target of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which seeks to re-establish immunological tolerance to the allergen. AIT induces changes in these T cells, including the induction of anergy, clonal deletion, or a shift toward a regulatory T cell (Treg) or Th1 phenotype (Akdis & Akdis, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2009). By modulating the activity and frequency of these allergen-specific cells, AIT provides long-term relief from symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma and can prevent disease progression.

Other names

Grass pollen-specific Th2 cellPhl p-specific CD4+ T cellAllergen-specific T lymphocyteGrass-reactive CD4+ T cell

Induction of peripheral T-cell tolerance through the expansion of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), induction of T-cell anergy or deletion, and immune deviation from a Th2-polarized response to a Th1-mediated response.