Role of dendritic cells in Th1/Th2 balance: A novel therapeutic target of allergic diseases

ABSTRACTConsiderable evidence supports the role of dendritic cells (DC) in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Dendritic cells, as the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) for the induction of primary immune response to antigen, are deeply involved in the differentiation of na'i've T cells into Th2 cells, thereby developing the development of allergic sensitization. After sensitization, DC may also function as a major APC to control the activation and clonal expansion of memory Th2 cells. In addition, DC are able to produce chemokines to recruit Th2 cells into inflammatory sites, indicating DC are important agents in various phases of allergic inflammation. Recently, we have demonstrated that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 not only regulates the homing of DC, but also modulates DC function. The present paper reviews the role of DC in the regulation of the Th2 response in allergic diseases and discusses the possibility of a new therapeutic strategy targeting chemokine-mediated regulation of DC function