Role of regulatory dendritic cells in allergy and asthma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dendritic cells are the most efficient inducers of all immune responses, and are capable of inducing either productive immunity or maintaining the state of tolerance to self-antigens and allergens. The present review summarizes the emerging literature on dendritic cells, with the emphasis on regulatory function of dendritic cells in allergy and asthma. In particular we summarize recent data regarding the relationship between dendritic cell subsets and Th1, Th2 and regulatory T (TReg) cells. RECENT FINDINGS: The diverse functions of dendritic cells have been attributed to distinct lineages of dendritic cells, which arise from common immature precursor cells that differentiate in response to specific maturation-inducing or local microenvironment conditions. These subsets induce different lineages of T cells such as Th1, Th2 and TReg cells, including Th1Reg and Th2Reg cells, which regulate allergic diseases and asthma. SUMMARY: Subsets of dendritic cells regulate the induction of a variety of T-cell subtypes, which suppress the development of allergy and asthma, thus providing antiinflammatory responses and protective immunity.