A new immunity cell has been discovered in abundance in the skin. It is part of a family of cell-type called group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), first discovered five years ago in the gut and lung.
Researchers were using information from a skin cell tracking system when they came across the previously unidentified cells. Using this knowledge a team in the US bred a new strain of mouse that gave insight into how the cell worked.
They found the cell helps fight parasites such as mites and ticks, but also likely plays a role in eczema and allergic skin diseases. The cells also reacted to stimulation and it’s hoped stronger links to various diseases will be uncovered.
Read more at University of Sydney