title: Pathophysiology of and potential new therapies for allergic rhinitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advancement in laboratory techniques in the past decade, coupled with clinical studies, has afforded a better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying allergy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature on the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis, systemic and local, was reviewed, with emphasis on the last 3 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The basis in allergic rhinitis for the T-lymphocyte helper 2 cell and associated cytokine bias, and the ameliorating effects of T-regulatory lymphocytes and their cytokines, is summarized. New or currently under development pharmacotherapeutic agents are briefly presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Much of the molecular basis for the manifestations of allergy can now be explained, and may afford strategies to interrupt the development of disease or ameliorate such already present.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. osguthjd@musc.edu
authors.forename: John David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Osguthorpe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology