The diverse roles of T cell subsets in asthma

Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Sep;53(5):201-208. doi: 10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.177. Epub 2020 Nov 12.

Abstract

T cells are coordinators of the immune response and have been shown to play a central role in the pathophysiology of asthma. A good understanding of the T cells functions in asthma is important for therapeutic reasons, in particular for the choice of biological treatments in severe asthma. Although classically considered a Th2 disease, it is now clear that other types of T cells contribute for the pathophysiology and the heterogeneity of asthma. We here review how the different subsets of T cells are involved in the different phenotypes/endotypes of asthma and how this may influence the treatment of the disease.

Keywords: Asthma; T cells; asthma biomarkers; asthma endotypes; regulatory T cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells*