Toll-like receptor-expressing cells for antiallergy compound screening.

BACKGROUND

Regulation of type 2 helper T cell (TH2) polarization by toll-like receptors (TLRs) has triggered great interest in new antiallergic therapeutics. In addition to being involved in the regulation of co-stimulation by antigen-presenting cells, they are expressed on other immune and non-immune cells.

OBJECTIVE

To review the expression and function of TLRs on these cells and their potential to regulate TH2-associated responses.

METHODS

We focused on human cells that can be used for in vitro testing of TLR agonists.

CONCLUSIONS

Many cells involved in the allergic reaction have the capacity to respond to TLR agonists. Therefore, one needs to be cautious in extrapolating the antiallergic effect of a TLR agonist from the response analyzed in one cell type. Therefore, it is suggested that several cell types should be studied.