Related Experiment Videos
[The Th2 theory in allergy: present and future directions]
Enrique Rojas Ramos1, Norma Martínez Jiménez, Alfredo Reyes Salinas
1Departamento de inmunología clínica y alergia, Hospital Regional 1o de Octubre, ISSSTE, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 1669, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, CP 07300, México DF. drenriquerojas@correo.unam.mx
Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico : 1993)
|June 27, 2003
Summary
Allergic diseases involve T helper 2 (Th2) cell polarization. While chemokine receptors are linked to Th2 cells, a specific marker remains elusive, with Th1 and Th2 cells potentially originating from a common precursor.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Context:
- Allergic diseases serve as a model for studying T helper 2 (Th2) cell polarization.
- Human IgE synthesis involves Th2 and B cell collaboration via cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, and surface molecules (CD40-CD40L).
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding of Th2 cell markers and polarization mechanisms.
- To highlight the ongoing search for specific Th2 cell discriminators.
Summary:
- Recent research associates chemokine receptors with Th2 cells, yet a definitive marker is lacking.
- Emerging evidence suggests Th1 and Th2 cells may arise from a shared precursor, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Genes linked to Th2 cytokine susceptibility have been identified.
Impact:
- Advances understanding of immune cell differentiation and allergic disease pathogenesis.
- Informs the development of targeted immunotherapies for allergic conditions.
- Provides a foundation for future research into specific Th2 cell identification and manipulation.