The role of allergen-specific T cells in the allergic immune response: relevance to allergy vaccination

Recent research has elucidated many of the immunologic mechanisms that unde rlie atopic allergies. In particular, it has become clear that the role of CD4(+) allergen-specific T cells is crucial for the induction of IgE and eo sinophilia, factors that mediate the immediate hypersensitivity reaction an d late-phase responses, respectively. Therefore, the reactivity patterns an d activation requirements of allergen-specific T cells are important parame ters for understanding and manipulating the allergic immune response. This review addresses these issues and discusses their relevance to the further development of allergy vaccines.