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T Cell Co-Stimulatory Molecules: A Co-conspirator in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

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Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become a common gastrointestinal disease. It is characterized by severe eosinophil infiltration in the esophagus. EoE is strongly associated with food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and other allergic diseases. T lymphocytes, especially Th2 cells, play an instrumental role in the development of allergic inflammation. Recent studies have shown that the ligation of co-stimulatory molecules contributes to the activation, differentiation, and proliferation of T cells. In this review, we will discuss the growing evidence of co-stimulatory molecules including OX40, Light, and HVEM in the pathogenesis of Th2-driven EoE. Our goal is to provide the rationale for the development of novel therapy therapies that target co-stimulatory molecules.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the technical assistance of Dr. Christopher Corless and Cara Poage for the immunohistochemistry staining. This study is supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Zili Zhang & Thomas J. Sferra

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Yasemen Eroglu

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  1. Zili Zhang
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Correspondence to Zili Zhang.

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Zhang, Z., Sferra, T.J. & Eroglu, Y. T Cell Co-Stimulatory Molecules: A Co-conspirator in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis?. Dig Dis Sci 58, 1497–1506 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-013-2599-8

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