Dendritic cell-CD4 T cell interaction: The differential role of IL-4/IL-13 in serum IgE levels in house dust mite allergic patients.

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disorder triggered by inhalant allergens. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 play a main role in the generation of T helper cell type 2 (Th2) immune response, induction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis and persistence of airway inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of allergen Der p 1, the major allergen of house dust mite, on the synthesis of IL-4 and IL-13 by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and naive CD4 T cells cocultured with DCs, as well as their role in the production of serum IgE, in house dust mite (HDM) allergic patients.