The pathophysiology of allergic contact hypersensitivity. 1989

D V Belsito
Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.

During the past decade, much has been learned about the pathophysiology of ACH--yet much remains to be determined. Although LC, IL-1, IL-2, IFN-gamma, and the T effector circuits have been extensively studied, it is still not clear whether it is LC- or keratinocyte-derived IL-1 that is crucial in ACH, whether IL-1 acts primarily on T-cells or the APC, whether other cytokines are involved in the circuit (TNF, KTGF?), the exact relationships between T effector, T memory, and other T helper cells, what the functions of mast cells and basophils are in the allergic reaction, and how the regulatory circuits (including prostaglandins and eicosanoids) affect the outcome of ACH. The mechanism of suppression remains even less well understood despite the potential application of this knowledge to the treatment of diseases caused by Type IV hypersensitivity. A better understanding of the ACH mechanism will lead not only to more sophisticated ACH treatment, but also to a better understanding of the cell-mediated events of cutaneous viral replication, organ transplantation, and tumor growth.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007801 Langerhans Cells Recirculating, dendritic, antigen-presenting cells containing characteristic racket-shaped granules (Birbeck granules). They are found principally in the stratum spinosum of the EPIDERMIS and are rich in Class II MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX molecules. Langerhans cells were the first dendritic cell to be described and have been a model of study for other dendritic cells (DCs), especially other migrating DCs such as dermal DCs and INTERSTITIAL DENDRITIC CELLS. Langerhans Cell,Dendritic Cells, Dermal,Dendritic Cells, Epidermal,Dendritic Cells, Skin,Dermal Dendritic Cells,Epidermal Dendritic Cells,Skin Dendritic Cells,Cell, Dermal Dendritic,Cell, Epidermal Dendritic,Cell, Langerhans,Cell, Skin Dendritic,Cells, Dermal Dendritic,Cells, Epidermal Dendritic,Cells, Langerhans,Cells, Skin Dendritic,Dendritic Cell, Dermal,Dendritic Cell, Epidermal,Dendritic Cell, Skin,Dermal Dendritic Cell,Epidermal Dendritic Cell,Skin Dendritic Cell
D008407 Mast Cells Granulated cells that are found in almost all tissues, most abundantly in the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Like the BASOPHILS, mast cells contain large amounts of HISTAMINE and HEPARIN. Unlike basophils, mast cells normally remain in the tissues and do not circulate in the blood. Mast cells, derived from the bone marrow stem cells, are regulated by the STEM CELL FACTOR. Basophils, Tissue,Basophil, Tissue,Cell, Mast,Cells, Mast,Mast Cell,Tissue Basophil,Tissue Basophils
D002352 Carrier Proteins Proteins that bind or transport specific substances in the blood, within the cell, or across cell membranes. Binding Proteins,Carrier Protein,Transport Protein,Transport Proteins,Binding Protein,Protein, Carrier,Proteins, Carrier
D003877 Dermatitis, Contact A type of acute or chronic skin reaction in which sensitivity is manifested by reactivity to materials or substances coming in contact with the skin. It may involve allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. Contact Dermatitis,Dermatitis Venenata,Eczema, Contact,Hypersensitivity, Contact,Sensitivity, Contact,Contact Dermatitides,Contact Eczema,Contact Hypersensitivities,Contact Hypersensitivity,Contact Sensitivities,Contact Sensitivity,Dermatitides, Contact,Hypersensitivities, Contact,Sensitivities, Contact
D006241 Haptens Small antigenic determinants capable of eliciting an immune response only when coupled to a carrier. Haptens bind to antibodies but by themselves cannot elicit an antibody response. Hapten,Contact-Sensitizing Agents,Agents, Contact-Sensitizing,Contact Sensitizing Agents
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000485 Allergens Antigen-type substances that produce immediate hypersensitivity (HYPERSENSITIVITY, IMMEDIATE). Allergen
D001491 Basophils Granular leukocytes characterized by a relatively pale-staining, lobate nucleus and cytoplasm containing coarse dark-staining granules of variable size and stainable by basic dyes. Basophil
D001685 Biological Factors Endogenously synthesized compounds that influence biological processes not otherwise classified under ENZYMES; HORMONES or HORMONE ANTAGONISTS. Biologic Factors,Biological Factor,Factor, Biologic,Factor, Biological,Factors, Biological,Biologic Factor,Factors, Biologic
D013601 T-Lymphocytes Lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity. Two types have been identified - cytotoxic (T-LYMPHOCYTES, CYTOTOXIC) and helper T-lymphocytes (T-LYMPHOCYTES, HELPER-INDUCER). They are formed when lymphocytes circulate through the THYMUS GLAND and differentiate to thymocytes. When exposed to an antigen, they divide rapidly and produce large numbers of new T cells sensitized to that antigen. T Cell,T Lymphocyte,T-Cells,Thymus-Dependent Lymphocytes,Cell, T,Cells, T,Lymphocyte, T,Lymphocyte, Thymus-Dependent,Lymphocytes, T,Lymphocytes, Thymus-Dependent,T Cells,T Lymphocytes,T-Cell,T-Lymphocyte,Thymus Dependent Lymphocytes,Thymus-Dependent Lymphocyte

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