Newly identified T cell subsets in mechanistic studies of food immunotherapy
Vanitha Sampath, Kari C. Nadeau
Vanitha Sampath, Kari C. Nadeau
Published April 1, 2019
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2019;129(4):1431-1440. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI124605.
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Newly identified T cell subsets in mechanistic studies of food immunotherapy

Abstract

Allergen-specific immunotherapy has shown promise for the treatment of food allergy and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Although immunotherapy can induce desensitization, the mechanisms underlying this process are not completely understood. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies along with concomitant advances in data analytics have enabled monitoring of cells at the single-cell level and increased the research focus on upstream cellular factors involved in the efficacy of immunotherapy, particularly the role of T cells. As our appreciation of different T cell subsets and their plasticity increases, the initial simplistic view that restoring Th1/Th2 balance by decreasing Th2 or increasing Th1 responses can ameliorate food allergy is being enhanced by a more complex model involving other T cell subsets, particularly Tregs. In this Review, we focus on the current understanding of T cell functions in food allergy, tolerance, and immunotherapy.

Authors

Vanitha Sampath, Kari C. Nadeau

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Figure 2

Mechanism of allergic reaction in food allergy.

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Mechanism of allergic reaction in food allergy. Allergic reaction is med...
Allergic reaction is mediated by upregulation of Th2 cytokines and B cell class switching, which leads to production of IgE antibodies and degranulation of mast cells and basophils. Degranulation initiates allergic responses, such as smooth muscle contraction, eosinophil infiltration, mucus secretion, and vascular permeability. Other cells such as Tfh cells, γδ T cells, and ILC2s are also thought to play a role in allergic reactions. Key cytokines involved are IL-25, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-9.