Innate and Adaptive Immunity: ILC2 and Th2 Cells in Upper and Lower Airway Allergic Diseases

Abstract

Advances in our understanding of the immune system, with the recent discovery of a parallel set of innate T lymphocytes, the innate lymphocytes (ILCs), have led to a reassessment of the pathogenesis of allergic and eosinophilic airway disorders, including allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. We review current understanding of both elements of type-2 inflammatory responses and their relative influence in these common conditions and consider possible impacts of this on treatment selection.

Keywords: Adaptive/acquired immunity; Allergic rhinitis; Asthma; Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; Eosinophils; ILC2; Innate immunity; Th2.