A skewing towards a Th2-type response qualifies today the immunological status of the neonates. This may account for their sensitivity to infectious agents and their propensity to develop allergic pathologies as well as transplantation tolerance. Isabelle Debock and her research team evaluated the effects of the neutralization of IL-4, a key cytokine involved in the development of a Th2-type immune response and in the regulation of IL-17 dependent response, in glance with the possible appearance of a Th17 cell-mediated inflammatory immune response.
Their findings suggest that full acquisition of function by effector Th17 cells may be reinforced when Th2 pathway is prevented early in life. This may have an impact in terms of choice of vaccine adjuvants and development of autoimmune diseases.