Protein crystals derived from innate immune cells have been synonymous with a Type-2 immune response in both mouse and man for over 150 years. Eosinophilic Galectin-10 (Charcot–Leyden) crystals in humans, and Ym1/Ym2 crystals in mice are frequently found in the context of parasitic infections, but also in diseases such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Despite their notable presence, these crystals are often overlooked as trivial markers of Type-2 inflammation. Here, we discuss the source, context, and role of protein crystallization. We focus on similarities observed between Galectin-10 and Ym1/2 crystals in driving immune responses; the subsequent benefit to the host during worm infection, and conversely the detrimental exacerbation of inflammation and mucus production during asthma.

150 多年来，源自先天免疫细胞的蛋白质晶体一直是小鼠和人类 2 型免疫反应的代名词。人类中的嗜酸性 Galectin-10 (Charcot-Leyden) 晶体和小鼠中的 Ym1/Ym2 晶体经常出现在寄生虫感染的情况下，但也出现在哮喘和慢性鼻窦炎等疾病中。尽管它们显着存在，但这些晶体通常被忽视为 2 型炎症的微不足道的标志物。在这里，我们讨论蛋白质结晶的来源、背景和作用。我们关注 Galectin-10 和 Ym1/2 晶体在驱动免疫反应方面观察到的相似性；随后在蠕虫感染期间对宿主有益，相反，在哮喘期间有害地恶化炎症和粘液产生。