Clinical view on the importance of dendritic cells in asthma. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaurav, Rohit; Agrawal, Devendra K
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical immunology. Volume 9:Number 10(2013)
• Page Start: 899
• Page End: 919
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: allergic asthma -- antigen tolerance dendritic cell -- microbiome; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1586/1744666X.2013.837260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-666X

Abstract

Allergic asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation and may lead to airway remodeling in uncontrolled cases. Genetic predisposition to an atopic phenotype plays a major component in the pathophysiology of asthma. However, with tremendous role of epigenetic factors and environmental stimuli in precipitating an immune response, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complicated. Dendritic cells are principal antigen-presenting cells and initiators of the immune response in allergic asthma. Their phenotype, guided by multiple factors may dictate the immune reaction to an allergic or tolerogenic response. Involvement of the local cytokine milieu, microbiome and interplay between immune cells add dimension to the fate of immune response. In addition to allergen exposure, these factors modulate DC phenotype and function. In this article, integration of many factors and pathways associated with the recruitment and activation of DCs in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma is presented in a clinical and translational manner.