自然杀伤T细胞在支气管哮喘发病机制中的作用

支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)是一种气道慢性炎症性疾病,其发病机制仍不完全清楚.目前普遍认为Th1/Th2免疫应答失衡、Th2优势免疫是慢性炎症形成的基础,同时受变应原特异性调节性T细胞调控.然而,Th2优势免疫学说无法解释哮喘的全部发病机制.最近的研究显示,其他T细胞亚型如自然杀伤(NK)T细胞和Th17细胞,可能在哮喘的发病过程中也发挥重要的作用.本文主要阐述NKT细胞在哮喘中的作用及机制,为探索哮喘新的治疗方向提供有益线索.

Abstract：

The pathogenesis of bronchial asthma(asthma),a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, has not been fully understood. Currently, it is generally accepted that Th1/Th2 immune imbalance and Th2 predominant immunity are the basis of chronic inflammation in asthma, which is simultaneously regulated by regulatory T cells. However, the paradigm of Th2 predominant immunity cannot explain all aspects of pathogenic mechanisms. Recent studies have suggested that other T cell subtypes, such as natural killer (NK) T cells and Th17 cells, may play an important role in asthma. In this review, we discuss the roles and mechanisms of NKT cells in regulating the development of asthma in order to provide beneficial clue to find new therapies.

Role of natural killer T cells in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma

The pathogenesis of bronchial asthma(asthma),a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, has not been fully understood. Currently, it is generally accepted that Th1/Th2 immune imbalance and Th2 predominant immunity are the basis of chronic inflammation in asthma, which is simultaneously regulated by regulatory T cells. However, the paradigm of Th2 predominant immunity cannot explain all aspects of pathogenic mechanisms. Recent studies have suggested that other T cell subtypes, such as natural killer (NK) T cells and Th17 cells, may play an important role in asthma. In this review, we discuss the roles and mechanisms of NKT cells in regulating the development of asthma in order to provide beneficial clue to find new therapies.