Digital reminiscence T cells (TVM), activated by IL-4 throughout a parasitic an infection within the gut, expressing the CD22 receptor, which allows them to control this activation. Credit score: ULiège/B.Dewals
Researchers on the College of Liège (Belgium) have uncovered a beforehand unknown mechanism that regulates the immune response towards parasites. Throughout a parasitic an infection, particular immune cells, often called digital reminiscence T cells, turn out to be activated and categorical a floor molecule referred to as CD22, which prevents an extreme immune response. This discovery might assist in better-controlling irritation and enhancing immune responses to infections.
The findings are printed within the journal Science Immunology.
Practically 1 / 4 of the world’s inhabitants is contaminated by helminths, parasitic worms that set up themselves within the gut for prolonged durations. In response to those invaders, the immune system deploys advanced protection methods. Of their latest research, the researchers revealed a beforehand unsuspected mechanism that regulates the activation of sure immune cells: CD8+ digital reminiscence T cells (TVM).
A stunning function for CD22 in T Cell regulation
The researchers discovered that in helminth infections, a key immune molecule, interleukin-4 (IL-4), strongly stimulates TVM cells, inflicting their proliferation within the spleen and lymph nodes. TVM cells are immune cells able to reacting quickly to viral infections.
In a earlier research printed in 2018, the analysis workforce demonstrated that IL-4 stimulation of TVM cells enhances viral an infection management throughout co-infections with helminths and viruses. Nevertheless, this intense stimulation of TVM cells throughout parasitic an infection doesn’t seem to play a job in controlling the parasite itself, which intrigued the researchers.
“What is surprising is that this activation of TVM cells is accompanied by the expression of a receptor called CD22, which is normally exclusive to B lymphocytes—another type of white blood cells,” explains Professor Benjamin Dewals from ULiège.
“This receptor plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses. Its presence on TVM cells acts as a brake, limiting their excessive activation and thereby preventing excessive inflammation.”
A fragile steadiness between protection and regulation
This discovery opens up new views on how the physique regulates its immune responses. Along with their function in combating sure infections, TVM cells activated throughout parasitic infections additionally assist regulate irritation. In different phrases, fairly than merely responding to IL-4 produced in the course of the an infection, additionally they work to forestall an overreaction of the immune system.
Understanding this mechanism extra exactly might pave the way in which for brand spanking new methods to reinforce immune defenses towards infections or, conversely, to mitigate extreme inflammatory reactions, that are answerable for sure autoimmune ailments. “Further research is needed to determine whether a similar phenomenon exists in humans and how this discovery could be applied in medicine,” provides Professor Dewals.
This research, carried out in collaboration with researchers from Université Libre de Bruxelles, McGill College (Canada), and the College of Erlangen (Germany), highlights the significance of basic analysis in unveiling the mysteries of the immune system and probably resulting in medical developments.
Extra data:
Bin Yang et al, IL-4 Induces CD22 Expression to Restrain the Effector Program of Digital Reminiscence T Cells, Science Immunology (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adk4841
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