Th2 cell-derived histamine is involved in nasal Th2 infiltration in mice

Objective Histamine derived from mast cells and basophils plays important roles in inducing allergic symptoms. Although T cells also produce histamine, the involvement of the histamine produced from T cells has remained enigmatic. We sought to reveal the roles of T helper 2 (Th2) cell-derived histamine in nasal allergic disorders. Methods The histamine production from Th2 cells was measured by EIA. The mRNA expression of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) was measured by real-time PCR. To investigate the roles of Th2 cell-derived histamine in vivo, we analyzed an antigen-specific Th2 cell transfer mouse model. Results Th2 cells produced histamine by T cell receptor stimulation, and these properties were specific for Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells and naive CD4 T cells. The histamine produced from Th2 cells was involved in the infiltrations of Th2 cells in response to antigen exposure. Conclusion These results suggest that Th2 cell-derived histamine play important roles in nasal allergic disorders.

Automated summary

Histamine derived from Th2 cells plays important roles in nasal allergic disorders by promoting Th2 cell infiltrations in response to antigen exposure. The production of histamine from Th2 cells is specific to these cells and not observed in Th1 cells or naive CD4 T cells.