2010 – Why dust mites and hookworms can be considered equal by human immune system
A newly discovered cell, named nuocyte, is a key early source of interleukin 13 (IL-13) a crucial immune chemical created during hookworm infestation in the lungs and in the asthma response to triggers such as dust mites. Too much IL-13 can cause lung inflammation by creating excessive nuocytes. Therefore, nuocytes represent a previously missing link in the critical immune pathway that is turned on during asthma attacks. Exposure to either animal can result in an assault on lungs and asthma.
For hookworms the journey into the lungs is an important part of their life cycle. For scavenging dust mites, digestive enzymes found in their droppings cause lung cell death and a breach in defences. For some allergy patients these two pests may be considered equal and unwanted parasites, and react appropriately.
‘Nuocytes represent a new innate effector leukocyte that mediates type-2 immunity’ Neill DR et a; Nature 464, 1367-1370 (29th April 2010) | doi;10.1038/nature08900; Received 1 December 2009; Accepted 12 February 2010: Published online 3 March 2010.
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