Cell-mediated hypersensitivity to mite antigens in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Cell-mediated hypersensitivity (CMH) to house dust mite antigens, as determined by increased DNA synthesis after coculture of mononuclear cells with Dermatophagoides farinae extract, was demonstrated in 11 of 16 children with atopic dermatitis (AD) as compared with two of 14 control subjects. Patient and control responses peaked at the same antigen dose (12.4 micrograms of mite protein per 10(5) cells). Patient responses were significantly greater at all mite protein concentrations. The increased DNA synthesis of stimulated cells was demonstrated to be a T-cell response in the one patient in whom T-cell-enriched cultures were studied. There was no relationship between CMH and lgE-mediated hypersensitivity to D farinae in the patient group. It is suggested that AD is associated with CMH reactions to allergens and that antigen competition may be involved in the reduced CMH responses to mitogens and antigens noted by other investigators.

Lymphocyte transformation test with house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in normal children, asthmatic children and asthmatic children receiving hyposensitization

“…Moreover, there is evidence from avoidance studies and from bronchial provocation studies that HDM allergens are a major cause of bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma [6][7][8]. Correspondence Several studies have demonstrated a specific response of lymphocytes, refiecting T-cell sensitization, from HDM-sensitive subjects to allergens from HDM [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. However, the specificity of this type of response is still a matter of debate [18][19][20].…”

Immediate and Delayed Hypersensitivity to Mite Antigens in Atopic Dermatitis

“…Among these, particular attention has been given to the appearance of type IV hypersensitivity responses resulting from contact with Dp and Df household mite antigens. The significance of these allergens has been shown in studies carried out in vitro (10,(15)(16)(17) and in vivo (18,19), as well as by some histopathologic works (20)(21)(22).…”

Patch test reactions to mite antigens: a GERDA* multicentre study

“…Mitchell et al (6) and Platts-Mills et al (7) were the first to observe a positive patch test to Dp within 2 days, but they employed concentrations 100,000 x higher than those used in prick tests. Elliston et al (8) subsequently showed in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in patients with AD in the presence of Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen, suggesting that delayed hypersensitivity to mites might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD.…”