CD8+ T cells in asthma: Friend or foe?

While it is well established that CD4+ T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and persistence of asthma, the role of CD8+ T cells is less understood. CD8+ T cells form functionally similar subsets which exhibit similar cytokine profiles as Th1 and Th2 cells, known as Tc1 and Tc2. Evidence from animal studies suggest that CD8+ T cells are capable of regulating IgE production through the induction of IL-12 and IL-18 production in dendritic cells, and that CD8+ T cells may act to moderate Th2 polarisation within the localised lymph nodes during allergic sensitisation. Such findings have led to the suggestion that Th1 polarising, CD8+ T cell-inducing vaccines would inhibit the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and Th2 cell infiltration. Despite these positive findings, the role of CD8+ T cells within the lung remains poorly understood. While CD8+ T cells, particularly those expressing the Tc1 phenotype, are capable of moderating inflammation and suppressing AHR, it has been postulated that Tc2 CD8+ T cells predominate within established asthma and may act to amplify the inappropriate immune response which defines the condition. Within the clinic, the association between CD8+ T cells and asthma is almost universally defined as injurious, further suggesting a prejudicial role for these cells within the established disease. CD8+ T cells may be a valuable potential target for therapeutic intervention, either by potentiating their regulatory effects prior to the development of sensitisation, or through suppressing their pro-inflammatory properties within established atopy.