Hapten Recognition by T Cells: A Functional and Molecular View

Title: Hapten Recognition by T Cells: A Functional and Molecular View

Volume: 8 Issue: 4

Author(s): Alessandra Franco

Affiliation:

Keywords: Haptens, drugs, metals, TACA, antigen presenting cells, T cells, immunotherapy

Abstract: T cells specific for haptens determine immunopathology, as for the recognition of the β-lactamic ring by CD4+ T helper cells, responsible for the severe immune response to Penicillin in allergic patients. In this review we report studies that address functional and molecular aspects of hapten recognition by α/β T cells, enlightening the most relevant examples of hapten-specific T cells and their role in vivo. Using Trinitrophenyl as a contact allergen model and tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA) as antigen models in cancer, our laboratory extensively studied T cell recognition by hapten-specific T cells suggesting new, unexplored avenues for T cell-based immunotherapy. In fact, the evidence of hapten recognition by “conventional” α/β T cells is of a critical importance in designing new immunotherapeutic approaches to treat allergies, cancer and chronic viral diseases.

Cite this article as:

Franco Alessandra, Hapten Recognition by T Cells: A Functional and Molecular View, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 8 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152309789839019