The role of regulatory T lymphocytes in asthma pathogenesis.
Several subtypes of regulatory or suppressive T cells have been described that can prevent activation of effector T cells in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Recent evidence suggests a deficit in suppressive activity of both CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells, and interleukin (IL)-10 producing regulatory T cells may play a role in development of allergic sensitization. If therapies can be devised to redress the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, there may be hope for the control and prevention of asthma.
Robinson
Douglas S
DS
Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, England. d.s.robinson@imperial.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D023421:Models, Animal; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000502:physiology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2