Abstract
The polarized response of T helper-2 (Th2) lymphocytes to an allergen is considered to be the main cause of the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, we asked a question whether M. bovis BCG mycobacteria which are known for the preferential stimulation of T helper-1 (Th1) immunity, diminish the effector functions of Th2 cells from allergic patients upon stimulation with a common house dust mite Der p-1 allergen. Our results allow a positive answer to this question. We demonstrate that BCG modulates the dendritic cell-dependent allergen presentation process and switches naive T lymphocytes towards an anti-allergic Th1 profile.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Dermatophagoides / immunology*
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Arthropod Proteins
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BCG Vaccine / immunology*
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Coculture Techniques / methods
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Cysteine Endopeptidases
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Humans
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Hypersensitivity / immunology
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Interferon-gamma / immunology
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Interleukin-4 / immunology
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Interleukin-5 / immunology
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Pyroglyphidae / immunology*
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Statistics, Nonparametric
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Th2 Cells / immunology
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Th2 Cells / metabolism
Substances
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Antigens, Dermatophagoides
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Arthropod Proteins
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BCG Vaccine
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IL4 protein, human
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IL5 protein, human
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Interleukin-5
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Interleukin-4
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Interferon-gamma
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Cysteine Endopeptidases
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Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen p 1