Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

07:12
Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
Published on: April 16, 2015
Natural helper cells and TH2-type innate immunity
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. koyasu@z3.keo.jp
Cornea
|October 6, 2012
Summary
Natural helper (NH) cells are a novel innate lymphocyte population identified in adipose tissue. These cells produce key TH2 cytokines, IL-5 and IL-13, crucial for immunity and allergic responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Innate Immunity
- Lymphocyte Biology
Background:
- Natural helper (NH) cells are a recently discovered innate immune cell population.
- These cells are characterized by their production of T-helper 2 (TH2) cytokines, including interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-13.
- NH cells are found in lymphoid clusters within adipose tissue, termed fat-associated lymphoid clusters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on NH cells and related TH2-type innate lymphocytes.
- To highlight the unique characteristics and functions of NH cells.
- To compare NH cells with other recently identified TH2-producing innate cells like nuocytes and innate helper type 2 cells.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of NH cells in adipose tissue.
- Analysis of cytokine production in response to various interleukins (IL-2, IL-25, IL-33).
- Comparison of NH cell properties with other innate lymphocyte populations.
Main Results:
- NH cells respond to IL-2 combined with IL-25 or IL-33, producing significant amounts of IL-5 and IL-13.
- Activated NH cells contribute to eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia, important in anti-helminth immunity and asthma.
- NH cells constitutively produce TH2 cytokines, supporting B1 cell renewal and IgA production.
Conclusions:
- NH cells represent a distinct population of TH2-type innate lymphocytes with unique localization and functions.
- Their role in adipose tissue suggests involvement in local immune responses and metabolic homeostasis.
- Further research into NH cells and related populations is crucial for understanding innate immunity and allergic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

