IL-4–producing B cells regulate T helper cell dichotomy in type 1- and type 2-controlled diseases
Hurdayal R., Ndlovu HH., Revaz-Breton M., Parihar SP., Nono JK., Govender M., Brombacher F.
SignificanceCutaneous leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are neglected tropical diseases for which there are no effective vaccines and limited treatment strategies. To develop vaccine and therapeutic alternatives, a detailed understanding of host immunity is essential. We show a role for IL-4Rα–responsive B cells in host susceptibility toLeishmania majorand protection againstSchistosoma mansoniinfection through the production of early IL-4, which in turn regulates Th2 cell polarization and disease outcome in mice. These important findings highlight the significant impacts that B cell-specific IL-4Rα and IL-4 responsiveness have in the context of type 1 (L. major) and type 2 (S. mansoni) pathogens. Thus, vaccine and therapeutic development should aim to target both B and T cell immunity for optimal efficacy.