Synthetic peptides representing T-cell epitopes of allergens and autoantigens have been employed to induce antigen-specific tolerance in vivo in experimental models and the clinical setting. Delivery of peptides orally or by injection leads to reduced reactivity to antigen accompanied by the induction of T cells with a regulatory phenotype. Peptide therapy may provide a safe, effective, and economically viable approach for disease-modifying therapy in autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Room 360, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
The author is an Asthma UK Senior Research Fellow.