T-cell co-stimulatory molecules: their role in allergic immune reactions

Eur Respir J. 2007 Jun;29(6):1246-55. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00094306.

Abstract

The development of allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, depends upon the initiation and maintenance of T-helper cell type-2-skewed allergen-specific immune reactions. Although it is clear that susceptibility to this process is under genetic and environmental control, the fine-tuning and regulation of the type-2 T-helper cell immune response is not yet fully understood. In this second article in the present series, current understanding regarding the involvement of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells is summarised, with emphasis on the interaction between these two types of immune regulatory cells by means of co-stimulatory molecules.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / blood
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immune System
  • Inflammation
  • Mice
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*