Th2-type innate immune responses mediated by natural helper cells

Abstract

Natural helper (NH) cells are a newly identified innate lymphocyte population that responds to a combination of interleukin (IL)-2 and either IL-25 or IL-33 to produce large amounts of T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines. NH cells have been identified in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), produce Th2 cytokines constitutively without any stimulation, and support the self-renewal of B1 cells and IgA production by B cells. Large amounts of IL-5 and IL-13 produced upon helminth infection or in response to IL-33 can induce eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung and intestine; these cytokines, which activate NH cells, play important roles in antihelminth immunity and allergic diseases such as asthma.