Roles of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are recently identified members of the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family. These cells are capable of producing Th2-type cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 in response to epithelial cell-derived cytokines IL-25 and IL-33 and play critical roles in allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. Further investigations on ILC2s will enhance the better understanding of type 2 immune responses and may provide new strategies for the treatment of allergic asthma. In this review, we focus on the origin, location and biological function of ILC2s as well as their possible roles in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Key words: Type 2 innate lymphoid cells; Bronchial asthma