Helper T cell (Th) has been identified as a critical immune cell for regulating immune response since 1980s. The type 2 helper Tcell (Th2), characterized by the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, plays a critical role in immune response against helminths invading cutaneous or mucosal sites. It also has a functional role in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic diarrhea. Currently, most studies have shed light on Th2 cell function and behavior in specific diseases, such as asthma and helminthes inflammation, but not on Th2 cell itself and its differentiation. Based on different cytokines and specific behavior in recent research, Th2 cell is also regarded as new subtypes of T cell, such as IL-9 secreting T cell (Th9) and CXCR5(+) T follicular helper cells. Here, we will discuss the latest view of Th2 cell towards their function and the involvement of Th2 cell in diseases.
Animals ; Asthma ; immunology ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Humans ; Interleukin-9 ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism

It is widely known that the cockroach is an inhalant allergen in atopic asthma and allergic rhinitis. Even though Bla g I and Bla g II are considered as the major allergens, several relatively high-molecular weight (MW) cockroach allergens have also been recently identified by IgE-immunoblot in western countries. However, the environmental control and diagnostic tests mainly focussed on Bla g I and Bla g II. Furthermore there is no data about major IgE-binding cockroach antigens in Korea. We performed this study to identify the major German cockroach allergens in Korean atopic children. By the results of allergy skin tests, 14 children with atopic asthma (9 were cockroach-sensitive and 5 were cockroach-nonsensitive atopics) were enrolled in this study. We conducted IgE immunoblot and autoradiographic analysis using Yonsei-extract of German cockroach antigen produced in our laboratory, individual sera from 9 cockroach- sensitive children, and the pooled sera of 5 house-dust-mites-only-sensitive children. We performed an allergic skin test to cockroach mix, and a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) using German cockroach crude extract on all subjects. German cockroach-specific IgE was detected in 6 out of 9 subjects by RAST. We identified at least 15 IgE-binding protein bands, and among them, the components of MWs of 76, 64, 50, 38, and <14 kilodaltons (kDa) were the major German cockroach allergens in study subjects. Therefore, Bla g I (25-30 kDa) and Bla g II (36 kDa) could not be the absolute indicators of German cockroach sensitization and parameters of environmental control.
Adolescence ; Allergens/analysis ; Animal ; Asthma/metabolism* ; Asthma/immunology ; Asthma/complications ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cockroaches/immunology ; Cockroaches/chemistry* ; Female ; Human ; Hypersensitivity/metabolism* ; Hypersensitivity/immunology ; Hypersensitivity/complications ; IgE/metabolism* ; Korea ; Male ; Tissue Extracts/metabolism*

BACKGROUNDAllergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease partly characterised by high concentration of T help 2 (Th2) cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). There is no report on the relation of peripherally circulating blood lymphocytes and asthma. We explored the balance of Th2/Th1 cytokines in asthmatic mice. Exogenous recombinant interleukin (IL) 33 acted on murine peripheral circulating blood lymphocytes, IL-5 cytokine was selected for assessing Th2 cytokines and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) for Th1 cytokines.

METHODSFemale specific pathogen free BABL/c mice were sensitised by intraperitoneal injection of 20 µg of ovalbumin emulsified in 1 mg of aluminium hydroxide gel in a total volume of 200 µl, and challenged for 30 minutes in 7 consecutive days with an aerosol of 2 g ovalbumin in 100 ml of PBS. Then we collected BALF and isolated lymphocytes from the peripheral blood. The lymphocytes were divided into two groups: asthmatic group and normal group. Th1/Th2 cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

RESULTSIn the asthma group, we found numerous eosinophils and lymphocytes on the glass slides. We then confirmed that the optimal concentration of IL-33 was 10 ng/ml and time of IL-33 stimulating lymphocytes was 24 hours. In the asthma group, the production of IL-5 was significantly increased over normal group after stimulation with IL-33 (P < 0.05) and the production of IFNγ was supressed from IL-33 stimulated lymphocytes (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIL-33 acts on lymphocytes of peripheral blood increasing secretion of Th2 cytokines and inhibiting secretion of Th1 cytokines.

Animals ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; immunology ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Interferon-gamma ; immunology ; metabolism ; Interleukin-33 ; Interleukin-5 ; immunology ; metabolism ; Interleukins ; immunology ; metabolism ; Lymphocytes ; immunology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Asthma is a chronic disease of airway inflammation due to excessive T helper cell type 2 (Th2) response. Present treatment based on inhalation of synthetic glucocorticoids can only control Th2-driven chronic eosinophilic inflammation, but cannot change the immune tolerance of the body to external allergens. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the main negative regulatory cells of the immune response. Tregs play a great role in regulating allergic, autoimmune, graft-versus-host responses, and other immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the classification and biological characteristics, the established immunomodulatory mechanisms, and the characteristics of induced differentiation of Tregs. We will also discuss the progress of Tregs in the field of asthma. We believe that further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of Tregs will provide better treatments and control strategies for asthma.
Antigens, CD/analysis* ; Apyrase/analysis* ; Asthma/immunology* ; Cell Differentiation ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Transfusion ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*

Animals ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; immunology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukotrienes ; immunology ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Respiratory Sounds ; drug effects ; immunology ; physiopathology

This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of soy protein hypersensitivity in cow's milk protein-sensitive children in Korea. A total of 1,363 patients with atopic dermatitis, urticaria, enterocolitis syndrome, bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis were recruited. First, we estimated the prevalence of sensitization to soy in children sensitized to cow's milk. Specific IgE levels > 0.7 kU/L by CAP assay were considered positive. Next, the prevalence of soy allergy in cow's milk allergy (CMA) patients was investigated. Those children whose parents agreed to participate the open challenge test with soy had a convincing history of allergic reactions elicited by cow's milk and these symptoms were relieved by elimination. All of them had negative soy-specific IgE. Patients with positive soy-specific IgE accounted for 18.3% of 224 children sensitized to cow's milk protein. The prevalence of sensitization to soy decreased with age (36.8% in the first year of life, 16.4% in the second year, and 13.7% in the third year). Of 21 CMA patients, 42.9% (n=9) were determined to have soy allergy (mean age 10.3 months). Our results suggest that soy protein formula should be carefully used as a substitute for cow's milk in CMA patients, especially during infancy.
Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Allergens ; Asthma/immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology ; Enterocolitis/immunology ; Female ; Food Hypersensitivity/*epidemiology/immunology ; Human ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E/blood/metabolism ; Infant ; Korea ; Male ; Milk Hypersensitivity/*epidemiology/immunology ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis/immunology ; Soybean Proteins/*chemistry ; Urticaria/immunology

Mast cells have been regarded for a long time as effector cells in IgE mediated type I reactions and in host defence against parasites. However, they are resident in all environmental exposed tissues and express a wide variety of receptors, suggesting that these cells can also function as sentinels in innate immune responses. Indeed, studies have demonstrated an important role of mast cells during the induction of life-saving antibacterial responses. Furthermore, recent findings have shown that mast cells promote and modulate the development of adaptive immune responses, making them an important hinge of innate and acquired immunity. In addition, mast cells and several mast cell-produced mediators have been shown to be important during the development of allergic airway diseases. In the present review, we will summarize findings on the role of mast cells during the development of adaptive immune responses and highlight their function, especially during the development of allergic asthma.
Animals ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Asthma/*immunology/metabolism ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Histamine/metabolism ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*immunology/metabolism ; Immune System ; Immunoglobulin E/immunology ; Leukotrienes/metabolism ; Mast Cells/*cytology ; Mice ; Models, Biological ; Prostaglandins/metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism

Recently the prevalence of both asthma and obesity have increased substantially in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of retinol-binding protein (RBP) 4 in childhood asthma and its association with atopy markers, pulmonary function, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in relation to obesity. We studied 160 children between the ages 6 to 10 yr, including 122 asthmatics and 38 controls. The body mass index, pulmonary function tests, and methacholine challenge tests were measured on the same day. Total eosinophil count, serum total IgE, serum eosinophil cationic protein, and serum RBP4 were measured in all subjects. There was no difference in serum RBP4 levels between the asthmatics and the control group. In all subjects or subgroups, serum RBP4 was not associated with total eosinophil count, serum total IgE, serum eosinophil cationic protein, or PC20. There was no relationship between serum RBP4 and pulmonary function in female asthmatics. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC contributed to serum RBP4 in male asthmatics. Our findings show an association between RBP4 and pulmonary function in prepubertal male asthmatics. This relationship may indirectly affect the high prevalence of childhood asthma in males.
*Asthma/blood/immunology ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity/blood/immunology ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity/blood/immunology ; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma/*metabolism

The prevalence of allergic diseases in children has increased for several decades. We evaluated the correlation between pollen count of weeds and their sensitization rate in Seoul, 1997-2009. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from 3 stations around Seoul. Skin prick tests to pollen were performed on children with allergic diseases. Ragweed pollen gradually increased between 1999 and 2005, decreased after 2005 and plateaued until 2009 (peak counts, 67 in 2003, 145 in 2005 and 83 grains/m3/day in 2007). Japanese hop pollen increased between 2002 and 2009 (peak counts, 212 in 2006 and 492 grains/m3/day in 2009). Sensitization rates to weed pollen, especially ragweed and Japanese hop in children with allergic diseases, increased annually (ragweed, 2.2% in 2000 and 2.8% in 2002; Japanese hop, 1.4% in 2000 and 1.9% in 2002). The age for sensitization to pollen gradually became younger since 2000 (4 to 6 yr of age, 3.5% in 1997 and 6.2% in 2009; 7 to 9 yr of age, 4.2% in 1997 and 6.4% in 2009). In conclusion, sensitization rates for weed pollens increase in Korean children given increasing pollen counts of ragweed and Japanese hop.
Adolescent ; Allergens/*immunology ; Ambrosia/immunology/*metabolism ; Asthma/epidemiology/immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*epidemiology/immunology ; Male ; Pollen/*immunology ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/immunology ; Skin Tests

The prevalence of allergic diseases in children has increased for several decades. We evaluated the correlation between pollen count of weeds and their sensitization rate in Seoul, 1997-2009. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from 3 stations around Seoul. Skin prick tests to pollen were performed on children with allergic diseases. Ragweed pollen gradually increased between 1999 and 2005, decreased after 2005 and plateaued until 2009 (peak counts, 67 in 2003, 145 in 2005 and 83 grains/m3/day in 2007). Japanese hop pollen increased between 2002 and 2009 (peak counts, 212 in 2006 and 492 grains/m3/day in 2009). Sensitization rates to weed pollen, especially ragweed and Japanese hop in children with allergic diseases, increased annually (ragweed, 2.2% in 2000 and 2.8% in 2002; Japanese hop, 1.4% in 2000 and 1.9% in 2002). The age for sensitization to pollen gradually became younger since 2000 (4 to 6 yr of age, 3.5% in 1997 and 6.2% in 2009; 7 to 9 yr of age, 4.2% in 1997 and 6.4% in 2009). In conclusion, sensitization rates for weed pollens increase in Korean children given increasing pollen counts of ragweed and Japanese hop.
Adolescent ; Allergens/*immunology ; Ambrosia/immunology/*metabolism ; Asthma/epidemiology/immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*epidemiology/immunology ; Male ; Pollen/*immunology ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology/immunology ; Skin Tests