Nuocytes: expanding the innate cell repertoire in type-2 immunity

J Leukoc Biol. 2011 Nov;90(5):867-74. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0311160. Epub 2011 Jun 28.

Abstract

Activation and differentiation of the Th1 cell population lead to their production of the classical type-1 cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-β, thus promoting type-1 immunity. This is thought to occur via the ligation of TLRs by bacterial and viral products, which in turn, drive production of the essential Th1 cell differentiation factor, IL-12, by dendritic cells (DCs). Concurrent studies have been able to identify the effector cytokines produced by Th2 cells (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13) as being essential for parasitic immunity and also as essential factors in allergic asthma. However, the factors that are critical for initiation of the type-2 response remained obscure. Recently however, two critical observations have led to a more detailed understanding of the innate type-2 response. First, two novel, type-2-inducing cytokines-IL-25 and IL-33-were identified as being necessary for the up-regulation of the type-2 effector cytokines, mirroring the role of IL-12 in the type-1 response. Second, studies focused on target cell populations of IL-25 and IL-33 have identified novel, innate cell populations, which potentially bridge the gap between presentation of the type-2-inducing cytokine and the later adaptive Th2 cell response. In this review, we will discuss these new type-2 innate cell populations, in particular, the recently discovered nuocyte population, which are required for type-2 responses against helminthic parasites.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells* / classification
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells* / cytology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells* / immunology
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology
  • Helminthiasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / immunology*
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Lymphotoxin-alpha / immunology
  • Lymphotoxin-alpha / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth
  • IL25 protein, human
  • IL33 protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Lymphotoxin-alpha