Peanut-Specific T Cell (ps-T cell)

Peanut-specific T cells are lymphocytes that recognize and respond to peanut-derived antigens, playing a central role in the immune response underlying peanut allergy. These cells are primarily CD4+ T helper (Th) cells that secrete cytokines like IL-13 and IL-5 to promote IgE production, but CD8+ T cell responses have also been observed. Their phenotype and magnitude correlate with allergy severity, and they are targets of oral immunotherapy. They can be identified by activation markers such as CD154. Functional subsets and clonality have been revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing showing populations with distinct gene signatures.

Other names

Peanut-reactive T cellAra h 1-specific T cellAra h 2-specific T cellAra h 3-specific T cell

Peanut OIT: Suppresses pathogenic gene signatures within peanut-reactive T cell clonotypes. Anti-IgE: Reduces IgE levels, indirectly affecting T cell activation. Immunosuppressants: Broadly inhibit T cell function.