Early findings with future relevance
In collaboration with the BAMSE cohort, the study also observed altered Tc2 responses and lower prevalence of allergic sensitisation in individuals who had been prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs. According to the researchers, these preliminary observations need further investigation.
“Tc2 cells remain far less studied than other allergy‑associated immune cells, despite growing evidence of their role in diseases like asthma,” says Chris Tibbitt. “By learning more about how these cells are regulated, we can improve our understanding of allergic inflammation.”
The findings are at an early stage and have no immediate medical application. However, the researchers believe that increased knowledge about Tc2 cells may, over time, contribute to improved ways of identifying or targeting harmful type 2 inflammation in allergic disease.
The study was carried out in collaboration with other researchers at Karolinska Institutet and supported by the Swedish Research Council (VR), the Swedish Society for Allergology (SFFA), the Konsul Bergh Foundation and the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIMED).
Publication
“Serotonin Degradation and Lipid Metabolism Regulate Human Tc2 Cell Effector Functions“, de Souza Ferreira S, Holla L, Björkander S, Bek MK, Wirth L, Shearer PA, Säfholm J, Sachs E, Al-Ameri M, Vali K, Ekström S, Melén E, Mjösberg J. Tibbitt CA. Allergy, online 1 July 2026, doi: 10.1111/all.70399.