Functional Profile of Antigen Specific CD4+ T Cells in the Immune Response to Phospholipase A1 Allergen from Polybia paulista Venom

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Abstract
Insect venom can cause systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Improvements in diagnosis and venom immunotherapy (VIT) are based on a better understanding of an immunological response triggered by venom allergens. Previously, we demonstrated that the recombinant phospholipase A1 (rPoly p 1) from Polybia paulista wasp venom induces specific IgE and IgG antibodies in sensitized mice, which recognized the native allergen. Here, we addressed the T cell immune response of rPoly p 1-sensitized BALB/c mice. Cultures of splenocytes were stimulated with Polybia paulista venom extract and the proliferation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and the frequency of T regulatory cells (Tregs) populations were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytokines were quantified in cell culture supernatants in ELISA assays. The in vitro stimulation of T cells from sensitized mice induces a significant proliferation of CD4+ T cells, but not of CD8+ T cells. The cytokine pattern showed a high concentration of IFN-γ and IL-6, and no significant differences to IL-4, IL-1β and TGF-β1 production. In addition, the rPoly p 1 group showed a pronounced expansion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ Tregs. rPoly p 1 sensitization induces a Th1/Treg profile in CD4+ T cell subset, suggesting its potential use in wasp venom immunotherapy.
Funding Information
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (455422/2014-1)
  • Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (2019/00729-7 to LGRF; 2014/13936-7 to MRBB; 2017/22405-3 to APR)
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Postgraduate scholarships)

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