Type 2 innate lymphocytes in allergic airway inflammation

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2013 Jun;13(3):271-80. doi: 10.1007/s11882-013-0346-z.

Abstract

CD4(+) T helper-2 (Th2) cells, which produce a unique profile of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 pro-inflammatory cytokines, are thought to be central in the orchestration and amplification of allergic asthma. However, a novel non-T/non-B lymphoid cell population, named type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s), that produces high amounts of IL-5 and IL-13 was recently discovered. Unlike Th2 cells, these ILC2s are not antigen-restricted and are activated by epithelial cell-derived cytokines IL-25 and IL-33. In this review, we will focus on recent studies, mainly involving allergen-based mouse models, that have provided evidence for a significant contribution of ILC2 to allergic airway information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / immunology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Cytokines