Review of CD4+ T cell subsets in asthma phenotypes: molecular mechanisms and biologic treatment options

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2023.08.016

Abstract

Abstract:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, mainly driven by different CD4⁺ T cell subsets [helper T cell (Th cell)]. CD4⁺ T cell subsets are a type of important immune cells, capable of secreting various cytokines, and regulating the immune response of the body to various antigens. According to the difference of secreted cytokines, CD4⁺ T cell subsets can be divided into subgroups such as Th1, Th2, Th17, follicular helper T cell (Tfh) and regulatory T cell (Treg), which play different roles in the occurrence and development of asthma. Biologic therapy is a new treatment method that targets specific molecules and pathways, and has provided more options for asthma patients. Biologics is a type of drugs prepared by biotechnology, which can specifically recognize and neutralize target molecules, thereby interfering with related signaling pathways. This article reviews the roles and molecular mechanisms of various CD4⁺ T cell subsets in asthma phenotypes, summarizes the immunopathological characteristics of eosinophilic asthma, neutrophilic asthma and mixed asthma, the clinical efficacy and safety of biologics targeting Th2, Th1, Th17, Tfh and Treg cell-related factors, and the selection and development direction of corresponding biologics. This article also discusses the role of impaired Treg cells and abnormal dendritic cells (DC cells) in the pathogenesis of asthma, as well as the potential of immunotherapy using these cells. This article aims to provide reference for the personalized selection and new drug development of biologic therapy for asthma.

Key words: asthma, CD4⁺ helper T cell, eosinophilic asthma, neutrophil asthma, biological therapy

CLC Number:

R562.2⁺5

ZHAO Yanhong, WANG Chuanping. Review of CD4⁺ T cell subsets in asthma phenotypes: molecular mechanisms and biologic treatment options[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2023, 43(8): 1064-1070.

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References 47

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