Is ragweed pollen a T-dependent or T-independent antigen?
07/15/08
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Hi Jimmy,
I really had to search for this one, and I am not sure I have an answer, but will share what I found. First of all, a T-Dependant antigen is one that secretes cytokines which interact with the B cell provoking an immune system reaction. Antigens that cause this response are T- dependant. You can read about cytokines here, particularly in how they affect persons with Rhuematoid Arthritis.
In this article, with regards to asthma, doctors are exploring a new drug to ease asthma symptoms. Here is an excerpt: "The idea is to block the activity of cytokines, immune system molecules believed to play a major role in asthma by causing allergic inflammation." But then, this article disputes that cytokines have anything to do with causing asthma. You can read this finding here.
From a New York Times article about allergic causes:
- The conductor in an orchestra of immune factors that contribute to allergies and asthma appears to be a category of white blood cells known as helper T cells, in particular a subgroup called Th2 cells.
- Th2 cells overproduce interleukins (ILs), immune factors that are molecular members of a family called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory process.
If cytokines cause cause an allergic inflammation, and ragweed causes the body to produce cytonkines, then it makes sense that ragweed is a t dependent allergen, no?
You be the judge. Hope this helps! Take care and stay in touch!
Vicki M
Vicki M
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