T cell epitopes of allergens - starting point for new therapeutic strategies of grass pollen allergies

Allergological research is engaged in elucidation of the primary structure of major allergens in clinical important grass species as well as the patho physiological mechanisms that are critical for the induction of IgE synthes is after contacts with this allergens. Actually new strategies of a T cell targeted immunotherapy will be proofed because of the key regulatory positi on of allergen specific T lymphocytes. Up to now multiple T cell epi ropes on group 1 and group 5 allergens of grass pollen have been identified. Ther efore immunotherapy on the basis of peptide vaccination seems to be less pr omising. The application of larger allergen fragments with weak IgE binding capacities that harbore several essential T cell epitopes could be more ef ficient. Recombinant expressed allergen fragments, selected deletion mutant s as well as "hypoallergenic'' isoallergens belong to this new generation o f immunotherapeutic remedies, Furthermore the suppression of the allergen s pecific immune response could be improved by adjuvants like bacterial carri ers or components.