Dendritic cell modulation as a new interventional approach for the treatment of asthma

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) have a central role in the immune system, as they control the adaptive immune response and mediate both protective immunity and the maintenance of immune tolerance to self antigens. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances regarding the subsets of DCs and how they regulate the differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells towards different populations of T helper cells. We will particularly describe the role of DCs in the development and regulation of allergic diseases and asthma, and discuss the capacity of DCs to induce proallergenic Th2 cells versus regulatory T cells. Undoubtedly, tolerogenic DCs play a crucial role in the induction of regulatory cells. Understanding the biology of these cells will help us design novel strategies to cure or prevent allergic diseases and asthma.

Figure 1

Dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to drive naïve CD4⁺ T cells towards various subsets of T helper (Th) cells. There are several types of DCs, such as plasmacytoid, CD8⁺ and CD8⁻DCs, each with distinct markers and functions. Based on cytokine production, expression of transcription factors and surface molecules, DCs can skew the differentiation of naïve T cells towards Th2 cells (dedicated to humoral response but also responsible for allergic disease), Th1 cells (responsible for cell-mediated immunity), Th17 cells (committed to protecting against extracellular pathogens) and eventually regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4⁺ T cells capable of suppressing Th1, Th2 or Th17 subsets. CP: cytokine production; TF: transcription factor; SM: surface marker.