Inhibition of mucosal and systemic T sub(h)2-type immune responses by intranasal peptides containing a dominant T cell epitope of the allergen Der p 1

• Published in: International immunology Vol. 13; no. 10; pp. 1223 - 1231
• Main Authors: Jarnicki, A G, Tsuji, T, Thomas, W R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2001
• Subjects: Der p 1 antigen; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
• ISSN: 0953-8178

Although the intranasal administration of peptides containing T cell epitopes has been shown to be a potent method of inhibiting responses to the allergen Der p 1, the experiments to date have concentrated on their ability to regulate immune responses to the injection of antigen in a T sub(h)1-type adjuvant. Their ability to regulate responses to a T sub(h)2-type immunization and to sensitization via the respiratory mucosa has not been examined. Here it is shown that peptide used in doses required to block delayed-type hypersensitivity can also readily inhibit IgE responses to Der p 1 injected in alum. To examine responses induced in the respiratory mucosa, mice pretreated with intranasal peptide were sensitized with an intranasal dose of Der p 1 in conjunction with a mutated enterotoxin adjuvant. Intranasal peptide even in very high doses did not reduce IgE titers, but the ability of cells from the draining lymph nodes to release IL-4 and IL-13 but not IL-2, IL-5, IL-10 or IFN- gamma was reduced. These are the first reports on the effect of intranasal peptides containing T cell epitopes on IgE in T sub(h)2 immunization and on responses to respiratory immunization. Thus the effect of the peptide-induced mucosal tolerance differs depending on the type of immunization used for sensitization, but the potential to inhibit T sub(h)2 responses and responses to respiratory sensitization as well as T sub(h)1 responses has been demonstrated.