No abstract

We have introduced HLA-DQ8 (HLADQB*0302 and HLA-DQA*0301) genes into A beta 0 knockout mice. Transgenic animals were immunized with a whole body extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), one of the causative agents of house dust mite allergy. Transgenic mice expressing HLA-DQ8 genes elicited HLA-DQ8-restricted responses driven by CD4+ T cells. Synthetic-overlapping peptides representing a major allergen of house dust mite (Der p 2) were synthesized and used as immunogens. HLA-DQ8+ mice responded to three peptides: 8 (residues 61-80), 11 (residues 91-110), and 13 (residues 111-129). The mice produced IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 response to Der p challenge, suggesting a mixed Th1/Th2 response. These mice represent a new model for studies of the immune basis of allergy.

A series of 101 peptides each 20 amino acids in length (10-residue overlap) spanning the helical portion of the mature alpha-chain of human type II collagen (CII) was synthesized. DBA/1 (H-2q) mice were immunized with individual peptides, and draining lymph node cells were challenged in vitro. Strong responses were measured to three peptides: peptide I (residues 74-93), peptide 14 (residues 254-273), and peptide 81 (residues 924-943). B10.Q (H-2q) mice were responsive to peptides I and 81 but not to peptide 14. B10.RIII (H-2r) mice, which are resistant to arthritis induction following immunization with human CII, were unresponsive to peptides I, 14, and 81. Using single amino acid truncated peptides, we determined minimal immunostimulatory lengths for peptides I and 81. Residues critical to antigenicity were identified by introducing alanine and glycine substitutions into minimal length immunostimulatory peptides. The determinants within peptides I and 81 are 100% homologous to mouse CII and are autoantigens. Peptide 81 has homology to viral proteins. Peptide 14 is 90% homologous to mouse CII and has homology to heat shock proteins.

We have investigated the genetic and molecular basis of immune responsiveness to short ragweed (SRW) (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) extract, and group 5 allergens from short and giant (Ambrosia trifida) ragweed using transgenic mice expressing DQ6 (HLA-DQA1*0103, HLA-DQB1*0601) and DQ8 (HLA-DQA1*0301, HLA-DQB1*0302) genes in class II knockout (Aβ0) mice. Panels of overlapping peptides spanning the Amb a 5 and Amb t 5 Ags were synthesized. Mice were immunized with whole SRW extract or individual peptides s.c. and lymph node cells (LNC) were challenged in vitro. Strong T cell responses to SRW extract were measured in both HLA-DQ transgenic mice, while control, HLA-DQ6−/DQ8−/H-2Aβ0, mice were unresponsive. IL-5 and IL-10 were the primary cytokines produced by in vitro challenged LNC of SRW-primed transgenic mice. HLA-DQ6-restricted T cell responses were detected to all three peptides of Amb t 5 and two determinants (residues 1–20 and 11–30) on Amb a 5. In contrast, LNC of HLA-DQ8 mice did not recognize peptide 11–30 of Amb t 5 Ag, but recognized several Amb a 5 determinants. The immune response in transgenic mice was dependent upon CD4+ T cells and was HLA-DQ restricted. Primed with purified Amb t 5, both transgenics recognized peptide 21–40, and an additional DQ6-restricted epitope was found within residue 1–20. SRW-immunized HLA-DQ6 mice respond to peptide 11–30 of Amb a 5, while HLA-DQ8 mice strongly recognize peptide 1–20. These results demonstrate the specificity of HLA class II polymorphism in allergen sensitivity and pave the way for developing antagonistic peptides for desensitization.