Harnessing immune regulation for treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases

摘要

Recent advances in immunology have led to exciting new possibilities in medicine. We now understand how to reset the balance between immune effector and regulatory cells in people suffering from autoimmune and allergic diseases. These approaches are effective while avoiding the side effects associated with non-specific immune suppression. The evolution of an immune system confers protection against infection. Elements of our own immune system can be found in invertebrates. These so called 'innate' immune mechanisms include engulf-ment of microbes, their encapsulation and their lysis by chemicals. Analogous mechanisms, including phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages, microbial lysis by Iyso2yme and complement components and the process of chronic inflammation are found in all vertebrates. Vertebrates face additional microbial challenges when compared with invertebrates and have evolved increasingly sophisticated immune mechanisms. These include a spectacular array of antigen receptors generated by a unique gene rearrangement process. These receptors equip lymphocytes (B and T cells) with the receptors required to respond to virtually any antigen that they can encounter. The 'adaptive' immune system cooperates with the innate immune system toprovide effective protection from infection. However, the evolution of such a diverse and powerful immune system has considerable drawbacks.