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Discovery of Th22 cells may help in developing effective therapies for chronic skin and respiratory diseases

Published on November 20, 2009 at 5:41 AM · 1 Comment

The newly discovered Th22 cells are a previously unknown subset of T helper cells. T helper cells are white blood cells that help activate other immune cells when the body is infected by viruses or bacteria. At the same time they help the body to tolerate own tissue and to prevent or curb inflammation.

The researchers of Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) of Technische Universität München, together with their colleagues from London and Rome, discovered the Th22 cells while analyzing skin samples of patients with psoriasis, atopic eczema and allergic contact dermatitis. "During the histological examination we noticed T cells that were primarily characterized by the signaling molecule interleukin-22 (IL-22)," explained Dr. Stefanie Eyerich, the lead author of the study.

Th22 cells aid in tissue repair. At the same time they warn our skin cells of impending environmental dangers and stimulate the skin cells to protect themselves. In addition, they can help to strengthen the barriers of the skin and possibly also of the lung by stimulating cells to produce more collagen.

Dr. Carsten Schmidt-Weber of Imperial College London and coordinator of the study said: "We are seeing an increase in chronic diseases like skin and respiratory diseases. Besides genetic disposition, the causes are higher hygienic standards and modern nutritional habits. Diseases like psoriasis can have a substantial negative impact on a patient's quality of life, and sufferers must often follow long, drawn-out skin care treatment regimens to keep their symptoms at bay."

Comments
  1. Daniel Gosling Daniel Gosling United Kingdom says:

    Thanks for researching and sharing this important piece of information. I am a supporter of the natural methods of eczema treatments however whatever helps alleviate the discomfort is a good thing.

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News-Medical.Net.



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