CD25+ T cells and regulation of allergen-induced responses.

Abstract

CD4 T helper 2 (Th2) cells, with the characteristic interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 cytokine secretion profile, play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of allergic airways disease. It is clear from recent studies that CD4+ T cells with distinct cytokine-producing abilities have regulatory functions that limit allergic inflammation. Studies of allergic airway inflammation in mice have identified different types of T regulatory cells (Tregs) that control the disease phenotype. The cytokines associated with the Treg phenotype in mice include both soluble and cell membrane-bound transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and IL-10. Both contact-dependent mechanisms involving membrane-bound TGF-beta and contact-independent mechanisms involving soluble TGF-beta and IL-10 have been invoked to describe the function of these Tregs. In humans, studies of milk allergy show an association between circulating CD4+CD25+ Tregs and tolerance to the causative allergen, beta-lactoglobulin. The identification of Tregs as suppressors of allergic disease may promote the development of new therapeutic strategies.

• Authors: Marina Ostroukhova, Anuradha Ray
• Journal: Current allergy and asthma reports (Curr Allergy Asthma Rep) Vol. 5 Issue 1 Pg. 35-41 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 1529-7322 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15659261 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• CD4 Antigens
• DNA-Binding Proteins
• FOXP3 protein, human
• Forkhead Transcription Factors
• Foxp3 protein, mouse
• Receptors, Interleukin-2

Topics

• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Animals
• Asthma (immunology, physiopathology)
• CD4 Antigens (immunology, physiology)
• DNA-Binding Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Desensitization, Immunologic
• Disease Models, Animal
• Female
• Forkhead Transcription Factors
• Humans
• Lymphocyte Activation
• Male
• Mice
• Receptors, Interleukin-2 (immunology, physiology)
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• T-Lymphocyte Subsets (immunology, physiology)