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Regulatory T cells in allergic asthma
Sheila Langier1, Kobe Sade, Shmuel Kivity
1Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 9, 2012
Summary
Defective immune suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs) contributes to asthma. Enhancing Treg function may be key to treating this allergic condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- T cell Biology
Background:
- Allergic asthma involves inflammation driven by defective immunological suppression.
- Suppressor regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance to allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Tregs in allergic asthma.
- To understand how Treg alterations impact asthma pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Treg number and function in asthma patients.
- Evaluation of Treg changes in response to asthma treatments.
Main Results:
- Tregs are altered in number and function in individuals with allergic asthma.
- Asthma treatments that improve symptoms increase Treg numbers and functional impairment.
Conclusions:
- Treg dysfunction is implicated in allergic asthma development.
- Tregs are vital mediators of the anti-inflammatory effects of asthma therapies.
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