Grant: Operating Grant

Natural helper cells are unique lymphocytes that mainly reside in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues and the lung. When activated, they produce large amounts of specific type of small hormone-like proteins called cytokines. In the gut, natural helper cell-derived cytokines induce mucus production, which mediates expulsion of worms. We have also found natural helper cells in the lung. They are involved in mucus production and recruitment of eosinophils, a type of granulocytes, which are symptoms of asthma. Therefore, natural helper cells seem to be important for the protection against worm infection, but at the same time, they may be harmful as they can cause inflammation of the lung and the gut. Currently, our knowledge of natural helper cells is rather limited as they were discovered only very recently. The goal of this research is to find out how natural helper cells are activated and how they are involved in the inflammation of the lung. This research will likely provide new information on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and may lead to new therapy targeting natural helper cells.