American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science, 6060(334), p. 1293-1297, 2011
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Epithelial cells respond to physico-chemical damage with up-regulation of major histocompatbility complex–like ligands that can activate the cytolytic potential of neighboring intraepithelial T cells by binding the activating receptor, NKG2D. The systemic implications of this lymphoid stress-surveillance response, however, are unknown. We found that antigens encountered at the same time as cutaneous epithelial stress induced strong primary and secondary systemic, T helper 2 (TH2)–associated atopic responses in mice. These responses required NKG2D-dependent communication between dysregulated epithelial cells and tissue-associated lymphoid cells. These data are germane to uncertainty over the afferent induction of TH2 responses and provide a molecular framework for considering atopy as an important component of the response to tissue damage and carcinogenesis.