Scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) of Technische Universität München have discovered a new type of immune cells – the Th22 cells – which can protect the body against inflammation and aid in tissue repair. In the current online issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Dr. Stefanie [...]

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.

A new type of immune cell that can be out of control in certain chronic inflammatory diseases, worsening the symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and asthma, is described for the first time this week in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.