Modulation of Basophil Histamine Release and T Cell Reactivity by Chemically Modified Allergen

Gushchin IS, Babakhin AA, Andreev SM, Wheeler AW*, Stockinger B**, Nolte H***, DuBuske LM****

Institute of Immunology, Moscow, Russia; *Bencard Allergy Research Unit, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Epsom, Surrey, UK; **National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK; ***University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; ****Immunology Research Institute of New England, Fitchburg, MA, USA

Russ. J. Immunol. 1997, July 15, 2 (2), 111-114.

Modification of a model allergen ovalbumin (OA) with succinylation (Suc-OA) led to inhibition of allergen histamine releasing activity as it was tested on basophils of OA-sensitive patients. A whole blood leukocyte histamine release was performed by glass fibre based histamine assay. IgE-binding activity of Suc-OA was significantly reduced as it was shown by RAST inhibition technique. Suc-OA stimulated OA-specific T cell hybrid 3DO-548 and ACP:LK35 to produce cytokine release at the same level as in the case of non-modified OA. Succinylation of OA was concluded to result in selective blockade of B cell and preservation of T cell epitopes of the allergen suggesting a new approach for allergen specific immunotherapy.