Trends in immunology
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Trends in immunology · Nov 2013
ReviewB7 family checkpoint regulators in immune regulation and disease.
Fine-tuning the immune response and maintaining tolerance to self-antigens involves a complex network of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules. The recent FDA approval of ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody blocking cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4, demonstrates the impact of checkpoint regulators in disease. ⋯ Here, we review recent understanding of B7 family members and their concerted regulation of the immune response to either self or foreign pathogens. We also discuss clinical developments in targeting these pathways in different disease settings, and introduce VISTA as a putative therapeutic target.
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Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways associated with a T helper (Th)2 response. Such a response in the lungs requires complex interactions between innate cells and structural cells. ⋯ In turn, these innate cells can activate DCs to sustain Th2 immunity. Here, we review the role played by these different populations of immune cells in the pathogenesis of asthma and how they interact to orchestrate Th2 immunity.