Chemical allergy in humans: Fresh perspectives

Ian Kimber, David A. Basketter, Jacob P. Thyssen, Rebecca J. Dearman, John P. McFadden

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    There is considerable interest in the immunobiological processes through which the development of allergic sensitization to chemicals is initiated and orchestrated. One of the most intriguing issues is the basis for the elicitation by chemical sensitizers of different forms of allergic reaction; that is, allergic contact dermatitis or sensitization of the respiratory tract associated with occupational asthma. Studies in rodents have revealed that differential forms of allergic sensitization to chemicals are, in large part at least, a function of the selective development of discrete functional sub-populations of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Evidence for a similar association of chemical allergy in humans with discrete T-lymphocyte populations is, however, limited. It is of some interest, therefore, that two recent articles from different teams of investigators have shed new light on the role of polarized T-lymphocyte responses in the development of allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma in humans. The implications for understanding of chemical allergy in humans are explored in this Commentary. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)203-204
    Number of pages1
    JournalJournal of immunotoxicology
    Volume11
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • Chemical allergy
    • Polarized immune responses
    • Respiratory allergy
    • Skin sensitization

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Chemical allergy in humans: Fresh perspectives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this