Antigen-based T-cell-targeted immunotherapy: recent developments in autoimmunity and allergy

Abstract

In the past few years, there has been intense effort in the design of antigen-based strategies for T-cell-targeted immunotherapy in autoimmunity and allergy. The administration of peptide or protein antigens to induce specific T-cell tolerance has been evaluated critically in a number of animal models and clinical trials. Also promising is the use of altered peptide ligands (APL) to promote immune deviations. Recent advances in the field of hapten recognition by T-cells suggest the use of MHC binding peptide:hapten conjugates to treat hapten-mediated hypersensitivities. Alternatively, induction of tolerance can be achieved via the administration of soluble MHC molecule/peptide complexes. Finally, the design of inhibitors that block peptide binding to MHC molecules has experienced a renewal of interest, in particular with the patented discovery of new high affinity low molecular weight MHC class II restricted ligands. This review covers patent activity over the past 19 months in these fields in the light of recent literature.

• allergy
• altered peptide ligand
• antigen-based immunotherapy
• autoimmunity
• bystander suppression
• immune deviation
• MHC ligands
• mucosal antigen delivery
• T-cell tolerance