Objectives: This review will enable the readers to understand the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation, and the role of various cells and cytokines in allergic diseases. Pathogenic cytokines may become key therapeutic targets in the future treatment of allergic diseases.
Data sources: MEDLINE literature search limited to the English language was performed using the relation between specific cytokines and allergic inflammation as well as therapy of allergic diseases. Relevant articles referenced in retrieved sources and current texts on ctyokines and allergic responses were also utilized.
Results: The mechanism underlying allergic inflammation involves complex interactions between various cells and cytokines. The immediate reaction is caused mainly by mast cells and followed by a cell mediated response that involves eosinophils, mononuclear cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and macrophages. The majority of T cells in early allergic reactions are T helper type 2 (TH2)-like producing IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 but not IFN-gamma. These cytokines regulate IgE synthesis, promote eosinophil differentiation and survival, and induce vascular endothelial adhesion molecules, thus contributing to allergic inflammation.
Conclusions: Although studies of cytokine modulation have utilized animal models of allergic diseases, the increasing availability of recombinant cytokines and cytokine antagonists is likely to lead to more wide scale applications in allergic diseases.