Introduction:

More than 300 million people around the world suffer from asthma, and estimations indicate that this figure will increase to 400 million by 2025 due to criteria pollutants. However, given their limitations, epidemiological studies on pollution and its role in the development of asthma are controversial.

Objectives:

To describe the differences and similarities of the immunological response of asthmatic patients and animal models to allergic asthma after exposure to criteria pollutants and biological elements, in order to identify the immunological factors related to the development of asthma.

Materials and methods:

A systematic search was conducted in asthma databases and criteria pollutants.

Results:

The Th2 response is activated by the inhalation of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur and acute exposure to particulate matter. On the other hand, contact with certain types of pollens and glucans and the chronic exposure of particles increases the Th1 response, which inhibits Th2 response producing a "protective effect".

Conclusions:

Th1 response could cause low or no association between exposure to pollution and the development of asthma in different cities, which constitutes another limitation in epidemiological studies.

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