The molecular basis of allergenicity

Shakib, Farouk; Ghaemmaghami, Amir M.; Sewell, Herb F.

Abstract

Allergens are mostly innocuous antigens that elicit powerful T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses leading to hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and allergy. Research carried out over several years has highlighted the possible role of the inherent protease activity, surface features and glycosylation patterns of allergens in the engagement of a Th2 signalling pathway. It is thought that allergens possess common features and patterns that enable them to be recognized by innate immune defences as Th2-inducing antigens. These events are further amplified by proteolytically active allergens through digestion of cell surface molecules involved in regulating innate and adaptive immune functions, favouring Th2 responses. A greater understanding of the molecular features that make proteins allergenic will help define new therapeutic targets aimed at blocking allergen recognition and protease activity. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation

Shakib, F., Ghaemmaghami, A. M., & Sewell, H. F. (2008). The molecular basis of allergenicity. Trends in Immunology, 29(12), 633-642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2008.08.007

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Online Publication Date: Oct 24, 2008
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Jan 3, 2023
• Journal: Trends in Immunology
• Print ISSN: 1471-4906
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-4981
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 633-642
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2008.08.007
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3097591
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471490608002366