Recruitment of T cells to the lung in response to antigen challenge

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2000 Nov;106(5 Suppl):S227-34. doi: 10.1067/mai.2000.110161.

Abstract

T-cell recruitment to the lungs is thought to represent a key step in airway allergic inflammation. T cells coordinate and amplify effector functions of antigen-specific and nonspecific proinflammatory cells, such as B cells and eosinophils. The T(H)2 cell, in particular, promotes allergic inflammation through the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, proinflammatory cytokines that are important in the induction of B-cell switching and the promotion of eosinophil proliferation and survival. This cytokine profile has been implicated in asthma; elevations in bronchoalveolar lavage IL-4 and IL-5 levels have been observed in asthmatic patients. The recruitment of T(H) cells to the site of allergic inflammation (lung) is the subject of this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens / pharmacology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Cell Movement / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lung / cytology*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*

Substances

  • Antigens