T regulatory cells in allergen-specific immunotherapy

A dramatic increase in the prevalence of allergy and asthma has occurred during the past few decades. Although the symptoms of many allergic disorders can be suppressed quite effectively by pharmacological interventions, these do not provide a curative solution and therefore involve lifelong use of medication. Allergen-specific immunotheraply (SIT) on the other hand provides a long-lasting effect on the immune response to common environmental antigens, therefore allowing cessation of the therapy after several years. The changes in the immune response brought about by allergen-SIT are slowly being unveiled and explained. Mechanisms underlying allergen-SIT and in particular the role of regulatory T cells will be discussed in this review, based on recent findings and current concepts.