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Review
. 2017 May 23:5:117.
doi: 10.3389/fped.2017.00117. eCollection 2017.

Regulatory T Cells in Allergy and Asthma

Elena Martín-Orozco  1 , María Norte-Muñoz  1 , Javier Martínez-García  1
Affiliations
Review

Regulatory T Cells in Allergy and Asthma

Elena Martín-Orozco et al. Front Pediatr. .

Abstract

The immune system's correct functioning requires a sophisticated balance between responses to continuous microbial challenges and tolerance to harmless antigens, such as self-antigens, food antigens, commensal microbes, allergens, etc. When this equilibrium is altered, it can lead to inflammatory pathologies, tumor growth, autoimmune disorders, and allergy/asthma. The objective of this review is to show the existing data on the importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on this balance and to underline how intrauterine and postnatal environmental exposures influence the maturation of the immune system in humans. Genetic and environmental factors during embryo development and/or early life will result in a proper or, conversely, inadequate immune maturation with either beneficial or deleterious effects on health. We have focused herein on Tregs as a reflection of the maturity of the immune system. We explain the types, origins, and the mechanisms of action of these cells, discussing their role in allergy and asthma predisposition. Understanding the importance of Tregs in counteracting dysregulated immunity would provide approaches to diminish asthma and other related diseases in infants.

Keywords: FOXP3; allergy; asthma; children; immune system; inflammation; regulatory T cells; tolerance.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustration representing major mechanisms that contribute to the development of asthmatic symptoms. (A) Sensitization and memory phase. The sensitization phase is initiated when the allergen is introduced in the organism for the first time. At the end of this phase, the immune system is prepared for a new contact with the same allergen. (B) Effector phase includes the immediate and late responses. The effector phase is initiated after a new contact with the same allergen that binds to IgE on the surface of basophils and mast cells. The followed numbers describe the consecutives steps in asthma: (1) antigen entry, (2) migration of dendritic cells from the alveolar space to the lymphatic node, (3) antigen presentation to naive T cell and maturation into Th2, (4) production of Th2 cytokines and antibodies production, (5) isotype switch from IgM to IgE, (6) IgE binds to FcεRI on mast cells and basophils and inflammatory mediators are released, and (7) and (8) response mediated by memory B-cells and Th cytokines with recruitment and activation of eosinophils and neutrophils. DCs, dendritic cells.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Suppressive role of Treg in allergic diseases. Tregs contribute to the control of allergic diseases through several pathways. Red arrows indicate suppressive effects that Treg exert directly or indirectly on effector cells (ILC2 cells; mast cells; basophils; DC; B-cells; effector Th2, Th1, and Th17 cells; neutrophils). The green arrow indicates suppressive molecules produced by Tregs.
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