Peptide-induced immune regulation by a promiscuous and immunodominant CD4T-cell epitope of Timothy grass pollen: a role of Cbl-b and Itch in regulation.

Background: T-cell targeted peptide epitope tolerogens from grass pollen allergens may be useful in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis, but there is urgent need for optimisation of approaches from improved understanding of mechanism.

Objective: We sought to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR1-restricted epitopes from the Timothy grass pollen allergen, Phleum pratense, and characterise T-cell immune regulation following intranasal administration of a single, immunodominant epitope.

Methods: T-cell epitopes within P pratense were identified using HLA-DR1 transgenic mice and tetramer-guided epitope mapping (TGEM) in HLA-DR1-positive individuals with grass allergy.

IL-23 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a heterodimeric cytokine belonging to the IL-6/IL-12 family that plays a key role in several of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This family contains the 34 type I cytokine receptor chains and 27 ligands, which share structural and functional similarities, but on the other hand they display distinct roles in shaping Th cells responses. IL-12 family cytokines have not only proinflammatory effects but they also promote inflammatory responses.