Activation of telomerase is induced by a natural antigen in allergen-specific memory T lymphocytes in bronchial asthma

The function of the immune system is known to be dependent on the cellular differentiation and clonal expansion of allergen-specific lymphocytes. Telo merase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, is believed to be essential for the ind efinite proliferation of human cells. To clarify whether telomerase is invo lved in the pathogenesis of immune diseases as well as of malignancies, we investigated the upregulation of telomerase activity in allergen-specific T lymphocytes. Upregulation of telomerase in allergen-sensitized lymphocytes was induced not only by artificial mitogenic stimulations but also by the natural antigen, house dust mite, which causes allergic diseases. Moreover, the upregulation of telomerase activity in memory T cells activated during allergen-specific immune responses might be associated with the enduring a llergen-specific atopic propensity in asthmatics. (C) 1999 Academic Press.