Discovering New Immune Pathways

Funded by Food Allergy Fund

Dr. David A. Hill as Principal Investigator

In a recent study funded by the Food Allergy Fund (FAF), Dr. David Hill and his team explored the role of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic food allergy that effects the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. They discovered that interferon-gamma (IFNγ), a cytokine traditionally associated with non-allergic immune responses, suppresses the function of Bregs. These cells typically produce IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine that helps regulate immune responses. The team found that IFNγ impairs the production of IL-10 by Bregs, contributing to increased esophageal inflammation. This pivotal research highlights the duality of IFNγ in promoting immune defense while also exacerbating inflammation in allergic contexts like EoE.

The study's findings offer a new perspective on the immunological underpinnings of EoE and potential therapeutic strategies. By identifying IFNγ as a key driver of Breg dysfunction, the work suggests that targeting this cytokine could restore Breg-mediated regulation and mitigate inflammation. These insights not only deepen our understanding of EoE's pathogenesis but also open the door to innovative treatments that harness immune regulatory mechanisms to manage the disease more effectively.