Tuft cells promote reactivation of memory Th2 cells and are required for protective immunity to intestinal helminth re-infection - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #Helminth Immunity
- #Tuft Cells
- #Memory Th2 Cells
- Tuft cells are essential for clearing worms during secondary Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri infection, even with existing protective memory Th2 cells.
- Memory Th2 cells develop without tuft cells or group 2 innate lymphoid cells but upregulate receptors for tuft cell-derived IL-25 and LTC4 in the small intestine.
- IL-25 and LTC4 drive IL-13 production from Th2 cells; their absence reduces IL-13 levels during re-infection.
- Complete worm clearance in secondary infection requires granulomas to reduce worm fitness and tuft cell-dependent expulsion from the intestinal lumen.
- Tuft cells regulate both innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting that Th2 cells need tissue-specific signals for optimal function against helminths.