Publications

Abstract

Allergic diseases are characterized by excessive immunoglobulin E (IgE) production, mast cell degranulation, tissue eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion. These responses also take place during infection with multicellular parasites, and are linked to the production of a characteristic set of cytokines by T helper (Th)2 cells. By contrast, many other microbial infections are associated with cytokine production by Th1 or Th17 cells. There have been extensive efforts to subvert the Th2 responses of allergic diseases by treatment with microbial products.