T regulatory cells in contact hypersensitivity.
OBJECTIVE
The review summarizes the recent investigations focused on T regulatory cells in hapten diseases.


RESULTS
Multiple mechanisms ensure tolerance to small chemicals penetrating the skin. Among these, specific T regulatory cells play a major role in controlling harmful immune responses to environmental antigens. Most of the T regulatory cells involved in this process belongs to the CD4 subset and suppress hapten-specific immune response through the release of IL-10 and through direct interaction with effector T cells, blocking their function.


CONCLUSIONS
Methods for in-vitro and in-vivo expansion of specific T regulatory cells may represent an innovative approach for the cure of contact hypersensitivity.
Cavani
Andrea
A
Laboratory of Immunology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy. cavani@idi.it
D000818:Animals; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006241:Haptens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive / Q000639:trends; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000378:metabolism; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D006241:Haptens; D016753:Interleukin-10