Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

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 block 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 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.

Source: Mucosal Immunology

DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2026.01.002