Description
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin 7 (IL-7)-like cytokine originally characterized by its ability to promote the activation of B cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine expressed by epithelial cells, including keratinocytes, and is important in allergic inflammation. Subsequent studies have shown that TSLP promotes T helper type 2 (TH2) cell responses associated with immunity to some helminth parasites and the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis and asthma. TSLP can promote TH2 cytokine-associated inflammation by directly promoting the effector functions of CD4TH2 cells, basophils and other granulocyte populations while simultaneously limiting the expression of DC-derived proinflammatory cytokines and promoting regulatory T cell responses in peripheral tissues