Allergies and T-cell receptor signaling: Insights into immunological sensitivity

An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to substances that are typically harmless under normal circumstances. These reactions are triggered when antibodies respond specifically to these substances upon their entry into the body. Allergens such as pollen, dust, mites, and animal dander can be inhaled or ingested, such as food items. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, allergic rhinitis, asthma, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Removing or avoiding contact with the allergen can often resolve these symptoms. Allergies vary widely among individuals, manifesting differently in different age groups and affecting various parts of the body with varying severity. For instance, one person exposed to an allergen might experience nasal congestion, while another might suffer from sweating and itching. During an allergic response, T cells produced by our body come into play. T cells, a subset of lymphocytes, play a crucial role in the immune response by activating other immune system cells against foreign allergens. This review aims to provide an overview of the relationship between allergies and T cells.