The role and function of regulatory T cells in hapten-specific tolerance and allergic contact dermatitis

Tolerance to self- and nonpathogenic antigens is Crucial for homeostasis of the immune system. This is performed by the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance, the latter especially providing for nonreactivity towards innocuous antigens derived from environment. In conditions of allergy, such as allergic contact dermatitis, tolerance is broken. During the last years, insight into the mechanisms relevant for effector functions in allergic reactions as well as cell types and mechanisms involved in keeping tolerance has Substantially grown. In this review, the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) is discussed in the context of allergic contact dermatitis, oral tolerance, UV-induced tolerance and low-zone tolerance to allergens. Insight into different means of tolerance induction dependent oil the place and characteristic of antigen delivery might contribute to the development of effective strategies for therapeutic treatment of allergic conditions.