Trained ILC2 prevent IL-17-associated lung injury during helminth infection through a serotonin-dependent mechanism

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Authors: Ulrich Membe Femoe, Fungai Musaigwa, Imani Nicolis, Hung Li-Yin, Camila M. Napuri, Chinwekele Uzoije, Heather L. Rossi, Cailu Lin, Heidi Winters, Danielle R. Reed, Juan Manuel Inclan-Rico, De’Broski R. Herbert
Cited by: 1
References: 67

Abstract

Type 2 cytokine release promotes wound healing and helminth clearance, but it remains unclear whether group 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) and T-helper 2 cells (T H 2) cells have functionally distinct roles during anamnestic immunity. This study demonstrates that ILC2 can prevent re-infection and limit tissue injury caused by the helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) . T H 2 cells were necessary during initial antigen encounter but dispensable for early pathogen clearance and lung repair after ILC2 priming. Upon re-infection, trained ILC2 selectively blocked interleukin (IL)-17+ γδT cell expansion and infection-induced lung injury through an Amphiregulin ( Areg )-independent mechanism. Trained ILC2s had a distinct metabolic gene expression profile marked by elevated tryptophan hydroxylase 1( Tph1 ) and pulmonary serotonin levels were largely ILC2-dependent. Surprisingly, serotonin prevented IL-17-associated lung hemorrhage irrespective of parasite load. We propose that T H 2-ILC2 interactions drive pathogen control, but ILC2 distinctly control lung tissue repair through serotonin.

Fields of Study & Subjects

IL-33 ST2 and ILC Pathways Psoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis Inflammasome and immune disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
Mucosal Immunology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
19
Issue
2
Pages
1808–1821
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN