[HTML][HTML] Maintenance and polarization of human TH2 central memory T cells by thymic stromal lymphopoietin-activated dendritic cells

YH Wang, T Ito, YH Wang, B Homey, N Watanabe… - Immunity, 2006 - cell.com
YH Wang, T Ito, YH Wang, B Homey, N Watanabe, R Martin, CJ Barnes, BW McIntyre…
Immunity, 2006cell.com
The identity of TH 2 memory cells and the mechanism regulating their maintenance during
allergic inflammation remain elusive. We report that circulated human CD4+ T cells
expressing the prostaglandin D2 receptor (CRTH2) are TH 2 central memory T cells,
characterized by their phenotype, TH 2 cytokine production, gene-expression profile, and
the ability to respond to allergens. Only dendritic cells (DCs) activated by thymic stromal
lymphopoietin (TSLP) can induce a robust expansion of CRTH2+ CD4+ TH 2 memory cells …
Summary
The identity of TH2 memory cells and the mechanism regulating their maintenance during allergic inflammation remain elusive. We report that circulated human CD4+ T cells expressing the prostaglandin D2 receptor (CRTH2) are TH2 central memory T cells, characterized by their phenotype, TH2 cytokine production, gene-expression profile, and the ability to respond to allergens. Only dendritic cells (DCs) activated by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) can induce a robust expansion of CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 memory cells, while maintaining their central memory phenotype and TH2 commitments. CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 memory cells activated by TSLP-DCs undergo further TH2 polarization and express cystatin A, Charcot-Leydon crystal protein, and prostaglandin D2 synthase, implying their broader roles in allergic inflammation. Infiltrated CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 effector memory T cells in skin lesion of atopic dermatitis were associated with activated DCs, suggesting that TSLP-DCs play important roles not only in TH2 priming, but also in the maintenance and further polarization of TH2 central memory cells in allergic diseases.
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