Lymphocyte-mediated regulation of platelet activation during desensitization in patients with hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity

Clin Exp Immunol. 1988 Aug;73(2):198-203.

Abstract

T cells from peripheral blood of hymenoptera sensitive patients were studied before and after venom desensitization. Before treatment, T cells showed a variable but higher proliferative response to allergen than T cells of treated patients or controls. While before desensitization, T cell products, specifically released after in vitro allergen stimulation, were able to amplify the IgE-dependent platelet activity, we showed that after treatment of the same patients, T cell products strongly reduced platelet activation. Considering the modifications in platelet activation previously observed in patients treated by specific immunotherapy, the present results suggest that, through a modification of T cell reactivity to allergen, T cell functions are modulated by desensitization, and emphasize the involvement of T cell products in the desensitization mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology
  • Anaphylaxis / immunology
  • Anaphylaxis / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / immunology*
  • Cell Division
  • Desensitization, Immunologic*
  • Humans
  • Hymenoptera*
  • Insect Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*