CD25+ T cells and regulation of allergen-induced responses.
CD4 T helper 2 (Th2) cells, with the characteristic interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 cytokine secretion profile, play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of allergic airways disease. It is clear from recent studies that CD4+ T cells with distinct cytokine-producing abilities have regulatory functions that limit allergic inflammation. Studies of allergic airway inflammation in mice have identified different types of T regulatory cells (Tregs) that control the disease phenotype. The cytokines associated with the Treg phenotype in mice include both soluble and cell membrane-bound transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and IL-10. Both contact-dependent mechanisms involving membrane-bound TGF-beta and contact-independent mechanisms involving soluble TGF-beta and IL-10 have been invoked to describe the function of these Tregs. In humans, studies of milk allergy show an association between circulating CD4+CD25+ Tregs and tolerance to the causative allergen, beta-lactoglobulin. The identification of Tregs as suppressors of allergic disease may promote the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Ostroukhova
Marina
M
Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3459 Fifth Avenue, MUH A628 NW, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Ray
Anuradha
A
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology
D000485:Allergens; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C498833:Foxp3 protein, mouse; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2