Panonychus citri Can Induce T-helper Type 2 Immune Responses via the Release of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin and IL-4

Panonychus citri damages the leaves of citrus trees, causing defoliation, and induces T-helper type 2 (TH2) immuneresponses (occupational asthma) via a hitherto unknown mechanism. This is a particular problem on Jeju Island, which islocated to the south of the Korean peninsula. In this study, we show for the first time how P. citri induces TH2 immunity. Exposure to P. citri induces the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) by either basophils or CD4+ Tcells (it is not certain which), which results in the production of interleukin 4 (IL-4). IL-4 promotes the production ofimmunoglobulin E (IgE), which ultimately contributes to the process of allergic inflammation. Therefore, TSLP playsan important role in the P. citri-induced TH2 immune response. KCI Citation Count: 0