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Imprint
Characterization of contact allergen-specific responses in cocultures of human antigen presenting cells and T cells
Project
Project code: BfR-CPS-08-1322-595
Contract period: 01.03.2014
- 31.12.2015
Purpose of research: Applied research
A large share of the human population (15-20%) suffers from allergies, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is a highly prevalent skin disease caused by an immunological overreaction to protein-reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. Until today the allergic potency of substances is assessed in animal models such as the local lymph node assay (LLNA). Alternative in vitro test are still not available, though urgently needed* (Basketter, 2012). In the frame of the present study we want to exploit allergen-specific reactions of blood-derived human cell types that may be linked to or represent ACD in vivo immune reactions. The course of ACD is classically divided into two phases – a clinically silent sensitization phase and an effector phase characterized by typical clinical symptoms, e.g. eczema. Sensitization occurs if dendritic cells present allergen-induced modified target structures on their surface to T cells, so called T cell epitopes. T cells that react to these structures proliferate and reside as memory cells within the body. Upon repeated contact with even minute allergen doses, these memory T cells elicit ACD. In this project, we will imitate both phases of ACD applying cocultures of dendritic cells and T cells, and measure specific CD (cluster of differentiation) markers along with cytokine expression profiles. We aim to detect allergen-specific responses/pathways) and to distinguish ACD from irritant skin reactions that lack a chemical-specific T cell memory response. *According to REACH all chemicals available in the EU shall be tested with regard to their sensitizing potential. Employing established animal tests, a large number of animals is required. In addition, the 7th amendment of the EU cosmetics directive prohibits the use of animals in cosmetic tests which emphasizes the need for alternative methods.
Section overview
Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Toxicology
