CD8+ T cells mediate skin allergy to amoxicillin in a mouse model

To cite this article: Rozieres A, Vocanson M, Rodet K, Benetiere J, Bienvenu J, Berard F, Hennino A, Nicolas J‐F. CD8+ T cells mediate skin allergy to amoxicillin in a mouse model. Allergy 2010; 65 : 996–1003. Abstract Background: Delayed allergic skin reactions to drugs are common iatrogenic diseases mediated by activation of specific T cells in the skin. Methods: To better understand the role of T cells in these diseases, we developed a mouse model of drug allergy induced by skin sensitization to amoxicillin (amox), a penicillin antibiotic frequently involved in delayed drug allergy. Results: Whereas wild‐type mice could not be sensitized to amox, CD4+ T‐cell‐deficient mice developed an amox‐specific allergic skin response, mediated by IFN‐γ‐producing CD8+ T cells. Amox‐specific CD8+ T cells, induced in lymphoid organs at a high frequency during sensitization, were recruited in the skin upon challenge. CD8+ T cells were effectors of the allergic skin reaction to amox as in vivo treatment with depleting anti‐CD8 mAbs abrogated the skin inflammatory reaction and as purified CD8+ T cells could adoptively transfer the allergic response to naive recipients. Conclusion: CD8+ T cells mediate penicillin skin allergy.