TH2 CELLS AND CYTOKINE NETWORKS IN ALLERGIC INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNG

RIE cytokines released from Th2 and Th2-like cells are likely to be ce ntral to the pathophysiology of asthma and allergy, contributing to ab errant IgE production, eosinophilia and, perhaps, mucosal susceptibili ty to viral infection. IL-4 has emerged as a central tat get, not only for B cell IgE production, but also in the commitment of both CD4+ an d CD8+ T cells to cells with Th2 effector function capable of secretin g IL-5 resulting in eosinophilic inflammation. In view of the central role of this cytokine and the evidence that glucocorticoids are unable to modify many IL-4 dependent effects, Th2 inhibitors may prove to be novel therapies for the treatment of bronchial asthma.