Antagonizing the differentiation and functions of human T helper type 2 cells

Allergen-specific T cells from atopic patients generally belong to the T-helper type 2 subset. IL-4 and IL-13 produced by these cells induce IgE synthesis by B cells and play a major role in allergic disease mediated by IgE. Recent advances in our understanding of the differentiation and IgE-inducing activities of T-helper type 2 cells suggest that targeting allergen-specific T cells may provide a novel way to intervene in allergy.