Th17 and treg cells innovate the TH1/TH2 concept and allergy research

Chem Immunol Allergy. 2008:94:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000154844.

Abstract

Allergic reactions are caused by harmless allergens, which are recognized by the specific immune system. Allergen-specific T cells are assumed to play a key role in the sensitization phase and in immunological memory. Current immunological concepts suggest that asymptomatic T-cell memory cells also exist, tagging the allergen as harmless and preventing an inappropriate response and thus allergic symptoms. Proinflammatory T cells mediate allergic inflammation by exceeding the induction of IgE and competing with other T-cell subsets. Therefore, molecular mechanisms leading to pro- or anti-inflammatory T-cell memory cells appear as the key mechanism in allergy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / blood
  • Hypersensitivity / genetics
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / pathology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Interleukin-17