The role of the house dust mite-induced innate immunity in development of allergic response

Abstract

House dust mite (HDM) represents one of the most common sources of aeroallergens worldwide and more than 50% of allergic patients are sensitized to these allergenic molecules. HDM allergy research in the past has been mainly focused on adaptive, mite allergen-dependent immune responses. In recent years it has become clear that, although the allergen-specific CD4+ Th2 cellsorchestrate HDM allergic response,the innate immune system also plays a critical role in HDM-induced allergy pathogenesis. This review will summarize insights into diverse determinants that contribute to the HDM allergenicity through the activation of innate immunity. In addition to the capacity of mite allergens to directly activate mainly skin keratinocytes and airway epithelial cells, innate pattern recognition receptor ligands derived from HDM carriers are also involved in the development of allergic response by HDM. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.