Many drugs and environmental compounds are low molecular weight molecules that can couple to proteins and function as haptens, evoking deleterious T Iymphocyte responses. Current treatments are generally directed to amelioration of symptoms. However, advances in understanding the mechanism of T-cell antigen recognition suggests that therapies directed to specific T cells may be possible. The long-term objective of this research is to develop an immunotherapeutic approach to anergize or otherwise deviate hapten-specific effector T cells. The approach is to define simple compounds that are recognized by hapten-specific T cells in the context of class II Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, and later to use such compounds to test desensitization of individuals sensitive to specific haptens.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The eventual goal of this research is to produce structurally defined compounds that can be administered to desensitize individuals to poison ivy/oak contact dermatitis.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
