Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are generally held responsible for initiating and
maintaining allergic T helper 2 (TH2)-cell responses to inhaled
allergens in asthma. Although the epithelium was initially considered to
function solely as a physical barrier, it is now seen as a central
player in the T H 2-cell sensitization process by influencing the
function of DCs. Clinically relevant allergens, as well as known
environmental and genetic risk factors for allergy and asthma, often
interfere directly or indirectly with the innate immune functions of
airway epithelial cells and DCs. A better understanding of these
interactions, ascertained from human and animal studies, might lead to
better prevention and treatment of asthma.
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