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

ABSTRACT

Panonychus citri damages the leaves of citrus trees, causing defoliation, and induces T-helper type 2 (TH2) immune responses (occupational asthma) via a hitherto unknown mechanism. This is a particular problem on Jeju Island, which is located 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+ T cells (it is not certain which), which results in the production of interleukin 4 (IL-4). IL-4 promotes the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which ultimately contributes to the process of allergic inflammation. Therefore, TSLP plays an important role in the P. citri-induced TH2 immune response.