Human NK1 and NK2 subsets determined by purification of IFN-gamma-secreting and IFN-gamma-nonsecreting NK cells.

The in vivo existence of human NK cell subsets similar to Th1 and Th2 cells was demonstrated in freshly isolated IFN-gamma-secreting and IFN-gamma-nonsecreting NK cells. The IFN-gamma-secreting NK subset showed a typical cytokine pattern with predominant expression of IFN-gamma, but almost no IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. In contrast, the IFN-gamma-nonsecreting NK subset was composed of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13-producing NK cells.

T cells and eosinophils cooperate in the induction of bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis in asthma.

Background: Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease associated with an infiltration of T cells and eosinophils, increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and shedding of bronchial epithelial cells (ECs).

Objective: Shedding of bronchial ECs is characterized by loss of the normal bronchial pseudostratified epithelium and the maintenance of a few basal cells on a thickened basement membrane. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and by which mechanism, T cells and eosinophils can cause damage to airway ECs.