Quantification and role of innate lymphoid cell subsets in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Objectives: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) secrete cytokines, such as IFN-γ, IL-13 and IL-17, which are linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we investigated the role of pulmonary ILCs in COPD pathogenesis.

Methods: Lung ILC subsets in COPD and control subjects were quantified using flow cytometry and associated with clinical parameters.

IL-33 signalling contributes to pollutant-induced allergic airway inflammation.

Background: Clinical and experimental studies have identified a crucial role for IL-33 and its receptor ST2 in allergic asthma. Inhalation of traffic-related pollutants, such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP), facilitates the development of asthma and can cause exacerbations of asthma. However, it is unknown whether IL-33/ST2 signalling contributes to the enhancing effects of air pollutants on allergic airway responses.

Dysregulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and T2 cells impairs pollutant-induced allergic airway responses.

Background: Although the prominent role of T2 cells in type 2 immune responses is well established, the newly identified type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) can also contribute to orchestration of allergic responses. Several experimental and epidemiologic studies have provided evidence that allergen-induced airway responses can be further enhanced on exposure to environmental pollutants, such as diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). However, the components and pathways responsible remain incompletely known.

Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Role of ChemR23 Signaling in Pollutant-Induced Inflammatory Lung Responses.

Inhalation of traffic-related particulate matter (e.g., diesel exhaust particles [DEPs]) is associated with acute inflammatory responses in the lung, and it promotes the development and aggravation of allergic airway diseases.

Characterization and Quantification of Innate Lymphoid Cell Subsets in Human Lung.

Background: Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a new family of innate immune cells that have emerged as important regulators of tissue homeostasis and inflammation. However, limited data are available concerning the relative abundance and characteristics of ILC in the human lung.

Methods: The aim of this study was to characterize and enumerate the different ILC subsets in human lung by multi-color flow cytometry.