Orchestration between ILC2s and Th2 cells in shaping type 2 immune responses

Cell Mol Immunol. 2019 Mar;16(3):225-235. doi: 10.1038/s41423-019-0210-8. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Abstract

The type 2 immune response is critical for host defense against large parasites such as helminths. On the other hand, dysregulation of the type 2 immune response may cause immunopathological conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, and anaphylaxis. Thus, a balanced type 2 immune response must be achieved to mount effective protection against invading pathogens while avoiding immunopathology. The classical model of type 2 immunity mainly involves the differentiation of type 2 T helper (Th2) cells and the production of distinct type 2 cytokines, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were recently recognized as another important source of type 2 cytokines. Although eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils can also express type 2 cytokines and participate in type 2 immune responses to various degrees, the production of type 2 cytokines by the lymphoid lineages, Th2 cells, and ILC2s in particular is the central event during the type 2 immune response. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how ILC2s and Th2 cells orchestrate type 2 immune responses through direct and indirect interactions.

Keywords: Allergy and asthma; Group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2); Type 2 immune response; type 2 T helper cell (Th2).

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Helminthiasis / immunology*
  • Helminths / physiology*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines