T-helper cell type-2 regulation in allergic disease

Abstract

Substantial experimental evidence now supports the notion that allergic diseases are characterised by a skewing of the immune system towards a T-helper cell type-2 (Th2) phenotype.Studies using both human and mouse model systems have provided key evidence for the role that Th2 cytokines play in driving many of the hallmarks of allergic inflammation. Furthermore, the signalling pathways by which Th2 cytokines exert their effects on airway target cells are rapidly being elucidated, and antagonists of the Th2 pathway are under active development.In this review, the current knowledge of the role of T-helper cell type-2 cells in asthma is summarised, focusing on how and where T-helper cell type-2 cells differentiate from naïve precursors. The signalling molecules and transcription factors involved in T-helper cell type-2 differentiation will be reviewed in detail, in an attempt to translate studies using genetically modified mice into meaningful insights about asthma and other allergic diseases.

Inhaled corticosteroids stabilize constrictive bronchiolitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

“…16 Various studies have shown a strong association between fibrogenesis, a hallmark of PTCB, and the development of a T H 2 CD4 inflammatory response that involves IL-4 and IL-13. [17][18][19][20] Given the fact that PTCB is a form of chronic GVHD of the lung it is plausible that it is a T H 2-mediated disease, which may explain the clinical response we observed to inhaled corticosteroids. Furthermore, airway fibrosis can explain the limited improvement in FEV1.…”

Session 1: Allergic disease Nutrition as a potential determinant of asthma

“…PGE 2 has been reported to have other actions, e.g. suppressing dendritic cell leukotriene B 4 secretion by an IL-10-dependent mechanism (22) . The enzyme pathways that metabolise arachidonic acid also metabolise n-3 PUFA such as EPA to 3-series PG and 5-series leukotrienes that possess biological activity, albeit less potent than arachidonic acid metabolites.…”

“…Cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 secreted by Th2 cells are important mediators of asthmatic and allergic inflammation that is characterised by elevated IgE, mastcell degranulation and eosinophilic inflammation (4,5) . There is increasing interest in the role of regulatory T-cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic disease because of their ability to directly inhibit both Th1 and Th2 responses (6) .…”

Influence of polyphenols on allergic immune reactions: mechanisms of action

“…Also epigenetic mechanisms have been invoked in the promotion of asthma phenotypes such as exposure to methyl-rich diets which can affect asthma risk in offspring (64) . From an immunological point of view, asthma is characterised by a hyperactivation of Th-2 cells, IgE production and eosinophilia (65) . Besides secretion of conventional cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, release of IL-17 from Th-17 cells gives rise to respiratory neutrophilic inflammation in the asthmatic patients (65,66) .…”

“…From an immunological point of view, asthma is characterised by a hyperactivation of Th-2 cells, IgE production and eosinophilia (65) . Besides secretion of conventional cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, release of IL-17 from Th-17 cells gives rise to respiratory neutrophilic inflammation in the asthmatic patients (65,66) . Treg cell deficits have been discovered in atopic allergic diseases, even including asthma (67) .…”