Journal
ARCHIVUM IMMUNOLOGIAE ET THERAPIAE EXPERIMENTALIS
Volume 57, Issue 5, Pages 331-344Publisher
SPRINGER BASEL AG
DOI: 10.1007/s00005-009-0039-4
Keywords
bronchial asthma; cytokines; dendritic cells; IgE; Th2 lymphocytes; corticosteroids; anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies
Categories
Funding
- Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic [KEGA 3/7140/09]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Bronchial asthma is a common immune-mediated disorder characterized by reversible airway inflammation, mucus production, and variable airflow obstruction with airway hyperresponsiveness. Allergen exposure results in the activation of numerous cells of the immune system, of which dendritic cells (DCs) and Th2 lymphocytes are of paramount importance. Although the epithelium was initially considered to function solely as a physical barrier, it is now evident that it plays a central role in the Th2-cell sensitization process due to its ability to activate DCs. Cytokines are inevitable factors in driving immune responses. To the list of numerous cytokines already known to be involved in the regulation of allergic reactions, new cytokines were added, such as TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33. IgE is also a central player in the allergic response. The activity of IgE is associated with a network of proteins, especially with its high- and low-affinity Fc receptors. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic reactions helps us not only to understand the mechanisms of current treatments, but is also important for the identification of new targets for biological intervention. An IgE-specific monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, has already reached the clinic and similar biological agents will surely follow.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available