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Allergens induced differential T-cell activation in patch tests

Allergens may induce differential T-cell activation in reactive tests, recently published data suggest.

“This study is the first to perform extensive molecular and cellular profiling for a range of clinically relevant allergens identified by patch tests to establish common denominators of ACD [allergic contact dermatitis] (irrespective of allergen) and identify potential allergen-specific differences,” the researchers wrote.

Nikhil Dhingra, BS, of the Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology at The Rockefeller University in New York, and of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and colleagues conducted gene-expression and cellular studies on prevalent allergens, including rubber, fragrance and nickel, compared with petrolatum-occluded skin used as a control.

“Although the common ACD transcriptome consists of only 149 genes (approximately 30% immune-related), a much larger set was uniquely altered by different allergens, most notably nickel,” they wrote.

Data indicated that nickel exhibited the greatest immune activation, with potent inductions of innate immunity, T_H1/T_H17 and a T_H22 component. Fragrance showed a significant T_H2 bias and some T_H22 polarization, along with fewer T_H1/T_H17 contributions, according to data.

“Collectively, our findings provide a novel framework for understanding effector responses to clinically relevant sensitizers, and may help guide future human studies of ACD as well as intrinsic and extrinsic [atopic dermatitis],” the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.