Role of innate lymphoid cells in allergic diseases

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2019 May 1;40(3):138-145. doi: 10.2500/aap.2019.40.4217.

Abstract

Background: Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest and research into understanding the type 2 immune responses by the epithelium-derived cytokines interleukin (IL) 33, IL-25, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a unique family of effector immune cells that functionally resemble T cells but lack clonal distributed antigen receptors. Group 2 ILCs, ILC2s, are known for their capability to secrete proallergic cytokines, including IL-5 and IL-13. ILC2s are enriched at mucosal barriers in lung, gut, and skin, and their activation has been associated with a variety of allergic disorders. Objective: To study the role of ILC2 in different allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. Methods: A MEDLINE search was performed for articles that reported on ILC2 in allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. Results: A review of the literature revealed an important role of ILC2 in various allergic disorders. Conclusion: Identification of ILC2s in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis indicates that these cells may represent a new therapeutic target. In this review, we discussed the current understanding of ILC2 biology and its function and regulation in various allergic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism*
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators