Immunoregulation of skin sensitization and regulatory T cells.
It is well established that, in common with other adaptive immune responses, the acquisition of skin sensitization is carefully orchestrated and finely controlled. This is achieved in a number of ways. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the roles that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play in allergic contact dermatitis. Here, we review briefly the phenotype and function of Tregs, and consider how they may impact on various aspects of skin sensitization, including: inter-individual differences in susceptibility; variations in the potency of chemical allergens; and the prevention of excessive, and potentially damaging, levels of sensitization.
Faculty of Life Sciences, Toxicology Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. ian.kimber@manchester.ac.uk
Ian
I
Kimber
Mark A
MA
Travis
Stefan F
SF
Martin
Rebecca J
RJ
Dearman
D000818:Animals; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D051379:Mice; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*