Jan P H Depta1, Werner J Pichler. 1. Division of Allergology, Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology / Allergology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cross-reactivity with drugs is an important clinical problem in drug hypersensitivity. Once a patient is labeled 'drug-allergic' all drugs of the same class are withheld and future therapeutic interventions are limited. Here we review cross-reactivity with drugs at the T cell level. RECENT FINDINGS: Analysis of T cell recognition of various classes of drugs (beta-lactam antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anesthetics) using T cell clones suggests that at the T cell level the whole structure, in particular the core and to a lesser degree side chains, are recognized. SUMMARY: It is necessary to differentiate cross-reactivity mediated by T cells and antibodies as only the latter seem to recognize side chains exclusively.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cross-reactivity with drugs is an important clinical problem in drug hypersensitivity. Once a patient is labeled 'drug-allergic' all drugs of the same class are withheld and future therapeutic interventions are limited. Here we review cross-reactivity with drugs at the T cell level. RECENT FINDINGS: Analysis of T cell recognition of various classes of drugs (beta-lactam antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anesthetics) using T cell clones suggests that at the T cell level the whole structure, in particular the core and to a lesser degree side chains, are recognized. SUMMARY: It is necessary to differentiate cross-reactivity mediated by T cells and antibodies as only the latter seem to recognize side chains exclusively.
Authors: Shayela Suvarna; Lubica Rauova; Emily K E McCracken; Christina M Goss; Bruce S Sachais; Steven E McKenzie; Michael P Reilly; Michael Dee Gunn; Douglas B Cines; Mortimer Poncz; Gowthami Arepally Journal: Blood Date: 2005-04-21 Impact factor: 22.113