The Importance of regulatory T Cells for Disease and Therapy

Allergic immune responses are driven by T lymphocytes which specifically recognize the allergen and promote IgE- generation by B cells, which in turn triggers mediator release from mast cells and basophiles, thus causing allergic symptoms. More recently it became evident that allergen tolerance in healthy, but sensitized individuals is an active process. This process is characterized by the activity of regulatory T cells, which keep the activity of pro-allergic, inflammatory T cells under control. This cell population is currently a major focus of immunological research, since it provides for the first time a cellular and biochemical therapeutic target for the support of endogenous, anti- inflammatory mechanisms.