Eosinophils and Th2 immunity: contemporary insights.
Eosinophils, innate immune leukocytes elicited by Th2 cells, have long been associated with the effector arm of Th2 immune responses. However, accumulating data over the past decade reveal a much more dynamic picture of Th2 immunity, where eosinophils are present very early in response to Th2-inducing agents and function in the initiation of Th2 immunity. Here we discuss recent data showing immune functions of eosinophils distinct from their previously appreciated tissue- and helminth-destructive capacities, providing strong evidence for a new paradigm of Th2 immunity defined by a dynamic interplay between eosinophils and T cells.
Spencer
Lisa A
LA
Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. lspencer@bidmc.harvard.edu
Weller
Peter F
PF
D000818:Animals; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000276:immunology; D006376:Helminths / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*