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CD25+ T cells and regulation of allergen-induced responses

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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)-β and IL-10. Both contact-dependent mechanisms involving membrane-bound TGF-β and contactindependent mechanisms involving soluble TGF-β 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, β-lactoglobulin. The identification of Tregs as suppressors of allergic disease may promote the development of new therapeutic strategies.

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  1. Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3459 Fifth Avenue, MUH A628 NW, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Marina Ostroukhova MD, PhD & Anuradha Ray PhD

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  1. Marina Ostroukhova MD, PhD
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  2. Anuradha Ray PhD
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Ostroukhova, M., Ray, A. CD25+ T cells and regulation of allergen-induced responses. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 5, 35–41 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-005-0052-6

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