Th22 cells in allergic disease

During the last decade, the field of T cell immunology started to confuse the scientific community. More and more subtypes of T helper cells and their counterparts in the innate immune system are described. We are just at the beginning to understand which specific function the distinct subtypes fulfill. Th22 cells are terminally differentiated and very specialized T helper cells characterized by the secretion of their signature cytokine IL-22 and lack of IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-γ. The main function of Th22 cells is to protect epithelial barrier organs such as skin and lung, but also to modulate inflamed and injured tissue. This review summarizes our current knowledge on Th22 cells and their function in allergic disease. Cite this as Eyerich K, Eyerich S. Th22 cells in allergic disease. Allergo J Int 2015;24:1-7 DOI: 10.1007/s40629-015-0039-3.