Type I Interferon Regulates Acute IL-5 and IL-13 Expression in Human Memory CD4+ T Cells

Abstract

Type I Interferon (IFN-α/β) is an innate cytokine important for fighting infections and is used to treat a variety of diseases. Here, we show that IFN-α/β plays a role in shaping the Th2 response in humans. We propose that activation of this Th2 regulatory pathway with IFN-α/β, or other antagonist with fewer side effects, will be helpful in the treatment of severe asthma and other chronic atopic diseases.