Immunologic mechanism in contact allergy--a review.

The last decade saw rapid advances in the understanding of the immunology of contact allergy, a cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Of great importance was the recognition of the role of epidermal Langerhans cells as antigen-presenting cells to T lymphocytes. The necessity of an intact lymphatic system to mount contact allergy was demonstrated. The identification of lymphokines, mediators and modulators of inflammatory response in contact allergy, enable us to understand the histological and clinical manifestation of allergic contact dermatitis. Based on the discovery of the immunologic pathways of contact allergy successful attempts have been achieved to prevent and treat allergic contact dermatitis by blocking or modifying its pathways. This paper reviews recent development in the immunologic mechanism of contact allergy.