The role of dendritic cells and regulatory T cells in the regulation of allergic asthma

Abstract

Airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the major clinical features of allergic airways disease including allergic asthma, however the immunological mechanisms leading to the induction and regulation of this disorder are not fully understood. In this review we will summarise the evidence of a number of studies, principally in murine models of AHR, suggesting a central role for respiratory tract dendritic cells (RTDC) in the induction of AHR through the generation of lung-homing, allergen-specific effector T cells. We will also summarise the evidence supporting a role for regulatory T cells in the attenuation of AHR and will propose that, as a counterpoint to their capacity to induce AHR, RTDC may also play a role in the attenuation of AHR through the generation of regulatory T cells (Treg). A better understanding of the relationship between the physiological and immunological responses to allergen-induced AHR attenuation, and particularly the role of RTDC and Treg in this process, will be essential for the development of new treatments and therapies.

Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formulae suppress chronic airway inflammation and regulate Th17/Treg imbalance in the murine ovalbumin asthma model

“…3.5. BSYQF inhibited transcription factor RORγt and improved Foxp3 in lung tissue of murine OVA asthma model Transcription factor Foxp3 and RORγt have been suggested to be unique markers and are indispensible for induction of Treg and Th17 cells separately (Burchell et al, 2010;Wei et al, 2011;Hemdan et al, 2012;Langier et al, 2012). We tested RORγt and Foxp3 protein expression of mice in BSYQF treated groups.…”

A murine model of stress controllability attenuates Th2-dominant airway inflammatory responses

“…Thus, distinct APC sub-types may impact the preferential induction of CD4 + T cell responses that dictate asthma pathogenesis. To date, studies have described the complexity of roles for pulmonary APCs in respiratory pathogenesis (Burchell, Strickland & Stumbles 2009, Kool et al 2009). Yet, the impact of such phenotypes in response to stress remains unknown.…”

Stem cells in lung repair and regeneration: Current applications and future promise

“…In addition, adult MSCs could regulate the Tregs functions by enhancing T-regulatory cells (Selmani et al, 2008). Moreover, MSCs could inhibit the maturation, activation, and antigen presentation of dendritic cells (Burchell, Strickland, & Stumbles, 2010); MSCs can stimulate B cell viability, but may also inhibit their proliferation and block the cell cycle (Corcione et al, 2006). MSCs affect antibody secretion and B cell costimulatory molecules (Corcione et al, 2006).…”