T regulatory cells during clinical manifestations of Asthma: A
therapeutic standpoint
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, which is
considered to be mediated by the allergen-specific CD4+ T cells, Th2
cytokines, and allergen-specific IgE antibodies to play a key role in
the initiation and perpetuation of chronic airway inflammation. The most
common clinical manifestations of asthma are characterized by airway
inflammation, airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway
microvascular remodeling. In addition to inflammatory cells, a tiny
population of T regulatory cells (Tregs) control immune homeostasis,
suppress allergic responses and participate in the resolution of
inflammation-associated tissue injuries. Preclinical studies from animal
models have demonstrated the huge therapeutic potential of Tregs in
asthma conditions. Increasing evidence indicates that Tregs could be
used to inhibit pathogenic asthma inflammation, and airway microvascular
remodeling during the progression of asthma. This review addresses the
relationship between locally accumulated Tregs and the development of
asthmatic inflammation, and associated airway remodeling during the
disease progression.