New aspects on inflammation in allergic diseases.
BACKGROUND
Allergic disease has currently reached epidemic proportions, with a high percentage of individuals in the developed world exhibiting an allergic response after exposure to some common environmental factors. Although new strategies for the treatment and management of allergic diseases have decreased the mortality rate, a high percentage of affected persons still require frequent hospitalization and experience decreased quality of life.


METHODS
An internet-based literature search was performed for recent contributions on the underlying mechanisms provoking an allergic response and their potential for therapeutic approaches.


RESULTS
Novel concepts on allergic responses have emerged: allergic disease may result from an imbalance between allergen activation of regulatory T cells and effector T helper 2 cells (Th2), a process in which dendritic cells are key players. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-21, IL-25, and human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) seem to be important contributors in allergic processes. New data on IgE effector responses and on the IgE-independent mechanisms involved in allergic reactions have resolved some unanswered questions about these reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
These new findings on allergic diseases have important implications for diagnosis and management, with potential improvements in prevention and treatment, which could provide a cure in the future.
Montero Vega
M T
MT
Servicio de Bioquímica-Investigación, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. teresa.montero@hrc.es
D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D019049:Developed Countries; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000094632:Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin
D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D000094632:Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin