Understanding Type 2 Inflammation
Welcome to our new Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast series! This is the first episode in a four-part series examining Type 2 Inflammation.
In the first episode, we explore the science behind Type 2 Inflammation, how it affects the body, what conditions are impacted by it and why it’s important for patients to understand.
This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney break down the basics of Type 2 inflammation, explaining how it impacts the immune system and why learning about it can help with better treatment and symptom management.
Listen to and learn more about this podcast on ItchPodcast.com. The podcast is also available as a download on major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere:
Thank you to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring this episode. While Sanofi-Regeneron supports the podcast, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
What happens in Type 2 inflammation?
Type 2 inflammation is a unique immune reaction that leads to extra swelling in the body. It happens when certain immune cells and chemicals, including Th2 cells, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and eosinophils, work together to create Type 2 inflammation.
Key takeaways from Understanding Type 2 Inflammation
This episode examines Type 2 inflammation and its role in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
- What is Type 2 inflammation? Learn how it influences immune system reactions.
- Normal vs. chronic inflammation: understand the difference between short-term immune responses and long-term inflammation.
- How doctors test for Type 2 inflammation: simple blood tests can measure markers like IgE and eosinophils.
- Why Type 2 inflammation is linked to multiple allergic conditions: many people with one allergic condition also have another.
Welcome to the ‘party’: Cells and chemicals involved in Type 2 inflammation
Dr. Payel Gupta discussed Type 2 inflammation using a “party analogy” to help simplify this complex topic.
- Th2 cells are the “party planners” that decide how the immune system responds.
- Cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) send text messages telling the body what to do.
- IL-4: Invites “bodyguards” (IgE), which sometimes react to harmless things like pollen or food.
- IL-5: Brings in the “dance crew” (eosinophils), which can lead to swelling and inflammation.
- IL-13: Turns on the “special effects” (mucus and swelling), making asthma and eczema worse.
Understanding Type 2 Inflammation timestamps
02:09 – What is inflammation?
04:45 – What is Type 2 Inflammation?
06:52 – Which immune chemicals cause swelling?
07:42 – What does IL-4 do?
09:16 – What does IL-5 do?
10:37 – What does IL-13 do?
12:07 – How do doctors know if you have Type 2 inflammation?
15:56 – Which diseases are linked to Type 2 inflammation?
16:31 – Why do some people have more severe symptoms?
17:09 – How understanding Type 2 inflammation can help you
