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Peripherally derived T-regulatory cells led to immunomodulation

The primary cells responsible for immunomodulation are peripherally derived T-regulatory cells, according to researchers.

In a literature review, John W. Steinke, PhD, of the Asthma and Allergic Disease Center at the University of Virginia Health Systems, and colleagues examined the current state of immunotherapy (IT) and how the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) T-cell response is a critical role in modifying allergic responses.

John W. Steinke

They examined articles on PubMed, spanning topics such as: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and oral immunotherapy (OIT), with particular emphasis on those describing the T-cell response. Researchers observed that the only successful intervention for immunomodulation was immunotherapy.

“Many routes of IT are being pursued. However, SCIT has the historical record of leading to immune changes that alter the immune response at subsequent allergen exposure,” the researchers wrote.

These changes may be mediated by the induction of peripherally derived T-regulatory cells and only occur after high-dose therapy for 3 to 5 years, according to researchers.

“Once these issues are truly understood, allergists will have additional tools at their disposal to alter the morbidity associated with the increasing incidence of allergic disease,” the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.