Ep. 101: What is Type 2 Inflammation?
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Sanofi for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 101:
What do asthma, eczema, EoE, and nasal polyps have in common? They all stem from Type 2 inflammation!
Type 2 inflammation is a major driver behind many allergic and inflammatory conditions, yet it remains widely misunderstood. In this special four-part series, we are taking a deep dive into Type 2 inflammation. Exploring what it is, how it impacts the body, and why it plays a central role in multiple allergic and inflammatory conditions. Throughout the series, we’ll explore its connection to various diseases, how it affects children differently, and what 'control' means in terms of treatment and management.
In this first episode, we break down the basics of Type 2 inflammation, its impact on the immune system, how it contributes to chronic inflammation in the body, and why it matters for treatment and management.
What We Cover in Our Episode Type 2 Inflammation:
Understanding Inflammation: Inflammation is your body’s natural defence mechanism, but it can become problematic when it turns chronic.
Normal vs. Chronic Inflammation: Not all inflammation is bad! Learn the difference between the body’s normal immune response and long-term chronic inflammation.
What Sets Type 2 Inflammation Apart? Unlike other immune responses, Type 2 inflammation involves a specific pathway that plays a role in allergic conditions.
Key Players in Type 2 Inflammation: Th2 cells, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IgE antibodies, and eosinophils.
Measuring Type 2 Inflammation: How blood tests can help determine if Type 2 inflammation is contributing to your symptoms.
Listen now! Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music
More resources about Type 2 Inflammation:
Type 2 Inflammation Overview – Explains the role of Type 2 inflammation in conditions like asthma and nasal polyps.
Type 2 Inflammation in Asthma – Details how Type 2 inflammation contributes to asthma and its symptoms.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) – Information on chronic rhinosinusitis, its diagnosis, and its prevalence.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – Overview of EoE, a condition caused by an increased number of eosinophils leading to inflammation in the esophagus.Nasal Polyps – Details on treatment options for nasal polyps, including the use of biologics like dupilumab.
Biologics: What They Are, How They Work, and Who Might Benefit – A webinar discussing biologic treatments for conditions associated with Type 2 inflammation.
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and the Role of Type 2 Inflammation – A webinar exploring the connection between AERD and Type 2 inflammation.
Type 2 Inflammation in a Nutshell
What is Type 2 inflammation?
Type 2 Inflammation is an immune response involving specific cells, including T helper 2 (Th2) cells, and signalling molecules called cytokines. It's a key driver of conditions like asthma, eczema, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Understanding it can help explain why people with one condition often have others.
Breaking Down Type 2 Inflammation: The Immune System's "Party Gone Wrong"
During this episode Type 2 inflammation is explained using Dr. G's party analogy:
Th2 cells are the "party planners" who decide how the immune response will unfold.
Cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) are like text messages that tell different immune cells what to do:
IL-4: Invites "bodyguards" (IgE) that can overreact to harmless triggers like pollen or food.
IL-5: Calls in the "dance crew" (eosinophils), which can lead to excess swelling and inflammation.
IL-13: Turns up the "special effects" (mucus production and tissue changes), making conditions like asthma and eczema worse.
Why It Matters
Knowing if you have Type 2 inflammation can help doctors select the right treatments, including biologics that specifically target IL-4, IL-5, or IL-13. It also explains why conditions like asthma and eczema often go hand in hand.
Timestamps
Our episode explores the mechanism of action behind Type 2 Inflammation
02:09 The immune system’s response to inflammation
04:45 Understanding Type 2 Inflammation and its role in chronic conditions
06:52 The key cytokines involved in Type 2 inflammation
07:42 The role of IL-4 in immune system signaling
09:16 The role of IL-5 in driving eosinophil activity
10:37 The impact of IL-13 on mucus production and tissue changes
12:07 Identifying signs of Type 2 inflammation and how it is diagnosed
15:56 The connection between Type 2 inflammation and allergic conditions
16:31 Why some individuals experience more severe disease due to Type 2 inflammation
17:09 The importance of understanding Type 2 inflammation for better disease management
