Potential of Immunoglobulin A to Prevent Allergic Asthma

Figure 3

Crosstalk between epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in the lungs determines the balance between immunity and tolerance. (a) Allergen exposure in susceptible individuals may result in epithelial damage, initiating a cascade of immunological events leading to inflammation and allergic symptoms. (b) In contrast, IgA-inducing agents, such as CTB, alone or in combination with microbial exposure, prevent the development of allergic inflammation, by protecting the epithelial barrier and by effecting the function of various immune cells via DC. Immature DC (iDC), T helper 2 cell (Th2), T helper 17 cell (Th17), eosinophil (Eo), masT-Cell (MC), and plasma cell (PC).