Antigen-induced suppressor T cells from the skin point of view: suppressor T cells induced through epicutaneous immunization

J Neuroimmunol. 2005 Oct;167(1-2):4-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.06.004.

Abstract

The rebirth of interest in suppressor T cells has spawned a vast amount of data that shed light on their biology and role in immune system homeostasis. Since the early studies on the naturally occurring CD4+/CD25+ T regulatory cells, much attention has been focused on ways to induce suppressor T cells in vivo. This review discusses the salient features of the induction of antigen-specific suppressor T cells in a T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mouse model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in response to epicutaneous immunization with cognate peptide. We discuss the skin environment as a privileged anatomical site for therapeutic intervention against pro-inflammatory auto-immune disorders using non-invasive approaches for antigen delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Antigens / administration & dosage
  • Antigens / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens