Allergen-specific immune deviation from a T H2 to a T H1 response induced by dendritic cells and collagen type I

Abstract

Background: Atopy and IgE production are associated with enhanced allergen-specific T H2 responses. Therefore a causative treatment may result from the deviation of this T H2-dominated immune response toward a T H1 response. Objective: This study was carried out to analyze whether dendritic cells, the most potent antigen-presenting cells that are also known to induce antigen-specific T H1 responses, are suitable for therapy of atopic diseases by shifting the allergen-specific T H2 response toward a T H1 response. Methods: Monocyte-derived dendritic cells were used to present allergens in vitro to autologous CD4 + T cells of allergic persons. Because collagen type I activates dendritic cells and enhances the secretion of IL-12, we performed allergen presentation assays also in the presence of collagen type I. Results: After stimulation with allergen-pulsed dendritic cells the production of IFN-γ as well as that of IL-4 and IL-5 by CD4 + T cells was enhanced. In the presence of collagen type I, however, a significant shift toward a T H1 response with increased production of IFN-γ and a decreased production of IL-5 could be observed. When T cells were stimulated directly with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 in the absence of antigen-presenting cells, it was demonstrated that collagen type I also exerted a direct effect on T cells, increasing their IFN-γ production. Conclusion: These data indicate that collagen type I influences dendritic cells as well as T cells in a way that a shift in cytokine production results in a T H1 response even in already-sensitized atopic individuals. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:1052-9.)