T-helper 2 cells

Cytokine signaling influences the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells into varying functional subsets. Here the authors show that an E3 ubiquitin ligase Cul5 alters T_H2 and T_H9 development and absence of Cul5 in T cells results in higher levels of allergy-associated IL-4 and IL-9 secreting T cells.

Time-limited skin inflammation in neonatal mice promotes a reciprocal interaction between type 2 helper T cells and fascial fibroblasts that regulates wound repair in later life.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease involves multisystem fibrosis and autoimmunity with limited treatment options. Here the authors demonstrate that IL-31 and IL-31RA are overexpressed in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients and show that fibrosis and cytokine release can be reduced upon blocking of IL-31/IL-31RA.

Dendritic cells in the lung may be specialised to mediate specific types of immune function. Here the authors show that subpopulations of mouse CD11b⁺ lung DC at different stages of maturation and phenotype can promote Th17 or Th2 CD4⁺ T cell differentiation.