Studies using mouse models of allergic asthma have provided information about the cell types and soluble mediators that contribute to this disease. One common experimental model uses airway exposure to protease allergens, such as papain from papaya or the house dust mite allergen. Interestingly, papain is able to induce allergic lung inflammation even in RAG-deficient mice. In this system, the type 2 cytokines, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, are likely coming from:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Type 2 cytokines IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 are predominantly produced by ILC2 cells in mouse models of allergic asthma, including those induced by protease allergens like papain. These cytokines are key mediators of airway inflammation, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction. Other cell types, such as airway epithelial cells, eosinophils, and macrophages, also play important roles in asthma pathogenesis, but they are not the main sources of type 2 cytokines. The T_H2 cells mentioned in the answer choices are not a known cell type in the context of allergic asthma.

Studies Using Mouse Models of Allergic Asthma Have Provided Information