Interaction of Allergens, Major Histocompatibility Complex Molecules, and T Cell Receptors: A ‘Ménage à Trois’ That Opens New Avenues for Therapeutic Intervention in Type I Allergy

T cells are major players in the initiation and perpetuation of the allergic immune response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on allergen recognition by T lymphocytes and address the components of the trimeric recognition complex: T cell receptors, major histocompatibility complex molecules, and allergen-derived peptides. Furthermore, possible implications of this scientific background for future therapeutic developments are discussed.