Regulatory T cells mediated immunomodulation during asthma: a therapeutic standpoint

Abstract

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lung airway network, which is initiated and perpetuated by allergen-specific CD4⁺ T cells, IgE antibodies, and a massive release of Th2 cytokines. The most common clinical manifestations of asthma progression include airway inflammation, pathological airway tissue and microvascular remodeling, which leads to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and reversible airway obstruction. In addition to inflammatory cells, a tiny population of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune homeostasis, suppress allergic responses, and participate in the resolution of inflammation-associated tissue injuries. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated a tremendous therapeutic potential of Tregs in allergic airway disease, which plays a crucial role in immunosuppression, and rejuvenation of inflamed airways. These findings supported to harness the immunotherapeutic potential of Tregs to suppress airway inflammation and airway microvascular reestablishment during the progression of the asthma disease. This review addresses the therapeutic impact of Tregs and how Treg mediated immunomodulation plays a vital role in subduing the development of airway inflammation, and associated airway remodeling during the onset of disease.

Keywords: Airway inflammation; Immunosuppression; Inflammatory cells; Regulatory T cells.

Fig. 1

Overview of the immune system activation during asthma inflammation. Activation of Th1, Th2, B cells, Mast cells, Eosinophils, Neutrophils, Macrophages to promote inflammation, and associated tissue injuries, while Regulatory T cell mediated immunosuppression to check the ongoing inflammatory response