Mechanisms of immune tolerance to allergens: role of IL-10 and Tregs

J Clin Invest. 2014 Nov;124(11):4678-80. doi: 10.1172/JCI78891. Epub 2014 Nov 3.

Abstract

During the past 20 years, major advances have been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergen tolerance in humans. The demonstration of T cell tolerance, particularly that mediated by the immune-suppressive functions of IL-10, led to a major conceptual change in this area. Currently, the known essential components of allergen tolerance include the induction of allergen-specific regulatory subsets of T and B cells, the immune-suppressive function of secreted factors, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, the production of IgG4 isotype allergen-specific blocking antibodies, and decreased allergic inflammatory responses by mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils in inflamed tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Interleukin-10 / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • IL10 protein, human
  • Interleukin-10