Involvement of regulatory T cells and selected cytokines in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma

• Main Authors: Monika Zuśka-Prot, Jerzy J. Jaroszewski, Tomasz Maślanka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Index Copernicus International S.A. 2016-06-01
• Series: Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej
• Subjects: astma; limfocyty T regulatorowe; IL-10; IL-17; TGF-β; regulatory T cells
• Online Access: http://phmd.pl/gicid/01.3001.0009.6846

Asthma pathogenesis is complex and involves the interplay of many factors and actions. Airway inflammation in allergic asthma is characterized by an exaggerated activation of T helper type 2 cells, IgE production and infiltration and activation of eosinophils. The results of studies conducted in recent years indicate that the deficit of naturally occurring Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ and Foxp3+CD25+CD8+ regulatory T cells and type 1 regulatory T cells plays a pivotal role in the development of this disease. Moreover, numerous studies have provided convincing evidence that a decrease in IL-10 production and an increase in IL-17 production have an important place in the pathophysiology of asthma. TGF-β is another important cytokine involved in this disease. TGF-β has a paradoxical status in relation to asthma pathogenesis because it seems to play a role in both suppressing and promoting asthma development. This review discusses briefly clinical and experimental data concerning the involvement of T regulatory cells and IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-β in the pathogenesis of asthma.