β ₂ -adrenergic receptor–mediated negative regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses

Abstract

An off switch for helminth immunity Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are involved in responses to helminths, viruses, and allergens. Moriyama et al. found that ILC2s interact with the nervous system to modulate helminth immunity. ILC2s from the small intestine expressed the β 2 -adrenergic receptor (β 2 AR), which normally interacts with the neurotransmitter epinephrine. Inactivating β 2 AR resulted in lower helminth burden and more ILC2s, eosinophils, and type 2 cytokine production in mice. Conversely, treatment of helminth-infected mice with a β 2 AR agonist enhanced worm burden and reduced proliferation of ILC2s. Thus, β 2 AR negatively regulates ILC2-driven protective immunity. Science , this issue p. 1056