T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction with peptides that mimic nickel offers insight into nickel contact allergy

T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction with peptides that mimic nickel offers insight into nickel contact allergy.

T cell-mediated allergy to Ni(++) is one of the most common forms of allergic contact dermatitis, but how the T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizes Ni(++) is unknown. We studied a TCR from an allergic patient that recognizes Ni(++) bound to the MHCII molecule DR52c containing an unknown self-peptide. We identified mimotope peptides that can replace both the self-peptide and Ni(++) in this ligand. Th...

TCR Reactivity in Human Nickel Allergy

Nickel oral hyposensitization in patients with systemic nickel allergy syndrome

BACKGROUND This is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (EUDRACT No. 2009-013923-43) evaluating nickel oral hyposensitizing treatment (NiOHT) in patients with "systemic nickel allergy syndrome" (SNAS), characterized by Ni-allergic contact dermatitis and systemic reactions after eating Ni-rich food. METHODS Adults with positive Ni-patch test, who reported symptoms sugge...

Nickel allergy in relationship to previous oral and cutaneous nickel contact.

Potential relationships between the development of nickel allergy and previous ear piercing or orthodontic treatment with nickel-containing appliances were studied in 294 patients. We found 77 (31.2%) of 247 patients with pierced ears were allergic to nickel compared to only three (6.4%) patients without pierced ears (p = 0.001), which confirms earlier suggestions that nickel allergy (as assess...

Management of contact dermatitis due to nickel allergy: an update

Nickel is the major cause of allergic contact dermatitis in the general population, both among children and adults, as well as in large occupational groups. This metal is used in numerous industrial and consumer products, including stainless steel, magnets, metal plating, coinage, and special alloys, and is therefore almost impossible to completely avoid in daily life. Nickel contact dermatitis...