Manipulating the immune response in allergic disease: targeting CD4+ T cells

CD4+ T lymphocytes play an important role in the induction and maintenance of inflammatory responses in allergic diseases. In this review, we examine some of the recent developments that have expanded our knowledge of how T cells recognize and respond to common environmental allergens. In addition, we discuss the role of allergen-derived peptides and their derivatives in the modulation of the immunological activity of allergen-specific T cells, and their potential application for immune intervention. It appears that the ability to redress the balance between qualitatively different subsets of functional components of the immune system may guide the development of therapy.