Figure 1. TSLP and TSLPR structure and function.

TSLP was discovered by its biological activity to promote B and T cell development. In the periphery, TSLP strongly activates myeloid dendritic cells that upregulate their surface TSLPR expression rapidly. The TSLPR is a heterodimeric complex composed of TSLPR and IL-7Rα chains. In T cell lines, TSLP stimulation induced strong activation and phosphorylation of STAT5, whereas unidentified molecules or pathways may exist downstream of TSLPR signaling in DCs.