Figure 1
From: Nature of Regulatory T Cells in the Context of Allergic Disease
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is associated with improved tolerance to allergen challenge, with a decrease in immediate-phase and late-phase allergic inflammation. SIT also reduces the number of effector cells and release of their mediators in the target tissues. It has a role in cellular and humoral responses. T helper (Th)2 cytokines are decreased, and functional regulatory T cells (Tregs) are induced. Interleukin (IL)-10 production by monocytes, macrophages, B cells, and T cells is increased, as well as expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). SIT is associated with increases in allergen-specific antibodies in IgA, IgG1, and IgG4 isotypes. SIT also prevents development of new sensitizations and progression of allergic rhinitis to asthma.