A recent work published in Nature demonstrates the existence of a new class of cells, namely noucytes. This cells seem really important for the type II immuninity. The type II immunity protects our body from parasitic helminth infections, by promoting the release of type II cytokines, activating eosinophiles and goblet cells and secreting mucus and IgE.

The same system is also responsible for asthma and other allergic disfunctions. Nuocytes are a novel component of innate immune system and seem involved in IL13 release during the first steps of helminth infection. Nuocytes primarily respond to IL25 and IL33 stimuli either in vitro or in vivo, then start the immune response. Lack of IL25 ad IL33 cytokines determines nuocytes expansion failure and lastly severe defect in worm expulsion. Thus, nuocytes play a crucial role in body defense and this and subsequent studies will help us to understand better the mechanism of action of innate immune system. Nuocytes will represent a new possible target for immune stimulating molecules in order to increase the protection versus infection, as well as it could be possible that new anti asthma drugs will be directly act on this class of cells.