The induction of anergy in T cells is believed to be the result of triggering of the TCR in the absence of adequate costimulation mediated through the interaction of CD28 and its ligands, CD80 and CD86. Here, we demonstrate that stimulation of human group I allergen in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract (Der p 1)-specific CD4+ Th2-like T cell clones with Der p 1-derived peptides in the absence of professional APC results in a state of nonresponsiveness. The induction of anergy occurred despite the expression of high levels of CD28, CD80, and CD86 on the surface of the T cell clones and was not prevented by the addition of anti-CD28 mAb. The anergic, Der p 1-specific, Th2 cells failed to mobilize calcium from intracellular stores, to proliferate, and to produce IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, GM-CSF, and TNF-alpha following optimal stimulation with Der p 1-derived peptide and autologous APC. However, they mobilized intracellular calcium following stimulation with Ca(2+)-ionophore and produced all of the above cytokines, including IFN-gamma, when stimulated with phorbol ester and Ca2+ ionophore. These results indicate that the anergic T cell clones are capable of responding to signals circumventing the TCR/CD3 complex activation pathway. In contrast to T cell clones optimally activated with peptide and APC, anergic T cells failed to induce IgG4 and IgE synthesis when cocultured with B cells, even in the presence of exogenous IL-4 or IL-13. Anergic T cells expressed normal levels of CD40L, suggesting that their inability to help in Ig production by B cells is due to conditions other than a lack of expression of this molecule. Finally, exogenous IL-2 restored the helper function of anergic Th2 T cells for IgE production by B cells, which was greatly enhanced by the addition of IL-4 or IL-13. These data suggest that induction of anergy in allergen-specific Th2 T cells by allergen-derived peptides may play an important role in the successful desensitization of allergic patients.