Gene expression profile from mouse natural helper cell

ABSTRACT: Innate immune responses are important in combating various microbes during the early phases of infection. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that, unlike T and B lymphocytes, do not express antigen receptors but rapidly exhibit cytotoxic activities against virus infected cells and produce various cytokines1,2. We report here a new type of innate lymphocyte present in a novel lymphoid structure associated with adipose tissues in the peritoneal cavity. These cells do not express lineage (Lin) markers but express c-Kit, Sca-1, IL-7R and IL-33R. Similar lymphoid clusters were found in both human and mouse mesentery and we term this tissue “FALC” for fat-associated lymphoid cluster. FALC Lin-c-Kit+Sca-1+ cells are distinct from lymphoid progenitors3 and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells4. These cells proliferate in response to IL-2 and produce large amounts of Th2 cytokines such as IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13. IL-5 and IL-6 regulate B cell antibody production and self-renewal of B1 cells5-7. Indeed, FALC Lin-c-Kit+Sca-1+ cells support the self-renewal of B1 cells and enhance IgA production. IL-5 and IL-13 mediate allergic inflammation and protection against helminth infection8,9. Upon helminth infection and in response to IL-33, FALC Lin-c-Kit+Sca-1+ cells produce large amounts of IL-13, which leads to goblet cell hyperplasia, a critical step for helminth expulsion. In mice devoid of FALC Lin-c-Kit+Sca-1+ cells such goblet cell hyperplasia was not induced. Thus, FALC Lin-c-Kit+Sca-1+ cells are Th2-type innate lymphocytes and we propose that these cells be called “natural helper cells”.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE18752 | GEO | 2009/10/28

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA121669

REPOSITORIES: GEO