Induction of T-cell tolerance to grass pollen proteins

This entry refers to the modulation of the immune system through the induction of T-cell tolerance to specific grass pollen proteins, primarily as a therapeutic strategy in allergy. Induction of T-cell tolerance aims to shift the immune response from a pathogenic, allergy-driving Th2 profile towards a state of active unresponsiveness to specific allergens. This is achieved by presenting allergen-derived T-cell epitopes (such as conserved peptides from grass pollen proteins like Phl p 5) to the immune system, resulting in the development and activation of regulatory T-cells (including Tr1 cells) and suppression of effector Th1 and Th2 cells[1][2][3][5]. This process underpins the effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy, which can reduce allergic sensitivity by promoting immune deviation and tolerance. However, this target is a biological process, not a discrete molecular entity such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, making it atypical as a "molecular target" in drug discovery terms. There can be confusion or lack of specificity as this concept spans a range of allergens and immunomodulatory approaches[1][3][5].

Other names

T-cell tolerance induction to grass pollen proteinsAllergen-specific T-cell toleranceGrass pollen T-cell immune modulation

Induction of regulatory T-cells (Tregs, Tr1 cells); Suppression of effector Th2 and Th1 responses; Promotion of secretion of suppressive cytokines (e.g. IL-10, TGF-β); Reduction of allergen-specific lymphoproliferation and cytokine secretion[3][5]; Generation of cross-reactive T-cells via conserved peptide epitopes[1][2]