Co-exposure to lipopolysaccharide and desert dust causes exacerbation of ovalbumin-induced allergic lung inflammation in mice via TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways

Abstract Background Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) often presents in high concentrations in particulate matter (PM), few studies have reported the enhancing effects of both LPS and PM on airway inflammation in mice and the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in this process. Asian sand dust (ASD) is observed most frequently during the spring. This study aimed to clarify the role of TLRs in murine lung eosinophilia exacerbated by ASD and LPS. Methods The effects of LPS and ASD co-treatment on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung eosinophilia were investigated using wild-type (WT), TLR2−/−, TLR4−/−, and adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)−/− BALB/c mice. ASD was heated (H-ASD) to remove the toxic organic substances. WT, TLR2−/−, TLR4−/− and MyD88−/− BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with four different combinations of LPS, H-ASD and OVA treatment. Subsequently, the pathological changes in lungs, immune cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cytokines/chemokines levels in BALF and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) in serum were analyzed. Results In WT mice, H-ASD + LPS exacerbated OVA-induced lung eosinophilia. This combination of treatments increased the proportion of eosinophils and the levels of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin in BALF, as well as the production of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 in serum compared to OVA treatment alone. Although these effects were stronger in TLR2−/− mice than in TLR4−/− mice, the expression levels of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin were somewhat increased in TLR4−/− mice treated with OVA + H-ASD + LPS. In MyD88−/− mice, this pro-inflammatory mediator-induced airway inflammation was considerably weak and the pathological changes in lungs were negligible. Conclusions These results suggest that LPS and H-ASD activate OVA-induced Th2 response in mice, and exacerbate lung eosinophilia via TLR4/MyD88, TLR4/TRIF and other TLR4-independent pathways.

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Blockade of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Axis Ameliorates Airway Neutrophilic Inflammation in a Toluene Diisocyanate-Induced Murine Asthma Model

Toxicological Sciences ◽

10.1093/toxsci/kfz099 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 170 (2) ◽

pp. 462-475 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Shuyu Chen ◽

Lihong Yao ◽

Peikai Huang ◽

Qiaoling He ◽

Hongbing Guan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Airway Inflammation ◽

Airway Remodeling ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Vital Role ◽

Toluene Diisocyanate ◽

Receptor Protein ◽

Th2 Response ◽

Caspase 1 ◽

Asthma Model

Abstract Multiple studies have addressed the vital role of Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling in asthma. Yet, the role of NLRP3/caspase-1 in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma is still obscure. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the NLRP3/caspase-1 axis in TDI-induced asthma. Using an established murine model of TDI-induced asthma as described previously, we gave the asthmatic mice a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, as well as the specific caspase-1 inhibitors VX-765 and Ac-YVAD-CHO for therapeutic purposes. Airway resistance was measured and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed. Lungs were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. TDI exposure elevated the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 that was coupled with increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), neutrophil-dominated cell infiltration, pronounced goblet cell metaplasia, extensive collagen deposition, and increased TH2/TH17 responses. Both VX-765 and Ac-YVAD-CHO effectively inhibited the activation of caspase-1 in TDI-asthmatic mice that was accompanied by dramatic attenuation of AHR, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling, in addition to a decreased TH2 response and lower levels of IL-18 and IL-1β. MCC950 blocked the activation of NLRP3 and downregulated protein expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in TDI-exposed mice. Furthermore, MCC950 remarkably alleviated AHR, airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and significantly suppressed TH2/TH17 responses. These findings suggested that blockade of the NLRP3/caspase-1 axis effectively prevents the progression of TDI-induced asthma and could be used as therapeutic targets for asthmatics.

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Apigenin Attenuates Allergic Responses of Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Through Modulation of Th1/Th2 Responses in Experimental Mice

Dose-Response ◽

10.1177/1559325820904799 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 155932582090479 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Feng Chen ◽

Dongyun He ◽

Bailing Yan

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Messenger Rna ◽

Immunoglobulin E ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Specific Ige ◽

Cytokine Signaling ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Th2 Response ◽

Ifn Γ

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune-inflammatory response mainly affecting nasal mucosa. Apigenin, a flavonoid, has been documented to possess promising anti-allergic potential. Aim: To determine the potential mechanism of action of apigenin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR by assessing various behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and ultrastructural modifications. Materials and Methods: Allergic rhinitis was induced in BALB/c mice (18-22 grams) by sensitizing it with OVA (5%, 500 μL, intraperitoneal [IP] on each consecutive day, for 13 days) followed by intranasal challenge with OVA (5%, 5 μL per nostril on day 21). Animals were treated with either vehicle (distilled water, 10 mg/kg, IP) or apigenin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IP). Results: Intranasal challenge of OVA resulted in significant induction ( P < .05) of AR reflected by an increase in nasal symptoms (sneezing, rubbing, and discharge), which were ameliorated significantly ( P < .05) by apigenin (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment. It also significantly inhibited ( P < .05) OVA-induced elevated serum histamine, OVA-specific IgE, total IgE, and IgG1 and β-hexosaminidase levels. Ovalbumin-induced increased levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-γ in nasal lavage fluid were significantly decreased ( P < .05) by apigenin. Ovalbumin-induced alterations in splenic GATA binding protein 3 (ie, erythroid transcription factor) (GATA3), T-box protein expressed in T cells (T-bet), signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT6), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-alpha messenger RNA, as well as protein expressions were significantly inhibited ( P < .05) by apigenin. It also significantly ameliorated ( P < .05) nasal and spleen histopathologic and ultrastructure aberration induced by OVA. Conclusion: Apigenin regulates Th1/Th2 balance via suppression in expressions of Th2 response (IgE, histamine, ILs, GATA3, STAT6, SOCS1, and NF-κB) and activation of Th1 response (IFN-γ and T-bet) to exert its anti-allergic potential in a murine model of OVA-induced AR.

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Src-like Adaptor Protein Promotes the CD103+ dendritic Cell Homeostasis in the Lung

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1339.1339 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 1339-1339

Author(s):

Namit Sharma ◽

Pan Zhongda ◽

Tracy Lauren Smith ◽

Savar Kaul ◽

Emilie Ernoult ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Immune Response ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Adaptor Protein ◽

Cell Receptor ◽

Apoptotic Cells ◽

Direct Role

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) along with mast cells function as sentinels for the innate immune system and perform as antigen presenting cells (APCs) to mount an adaptive immune response against invading pathogen. FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase signaling has been shown to regulate the homeostatic mechanisms of subsets of DCs particularly, CD103+DCs compared to CD11b+DCs. CD103+DCs are regarded as APCs with superior capabilities to mount an effective immune response, thus understanding their homeostasis mechanism(s)/function is of paramount importance to devise effective therapeutics including DC vaccines. The Src-like adapter protein (SLAP) has been shown to dampen the signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases including FLT3, cKit, and immune cell receptors including T cell receptor, B cell receptor, and Granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor receptor via by recruiting c-Cbl, an ubiquitin ligase. Here, we report that SLAP deficient mice (KO) have reduced numbers of CD103+DC in lung while equal numbers in liver and kidney compared to control mice. To further confirm reduced CD103+DC in the lung, efferocytosis assays that are dependent upon CD+103 DC in lung epithelium to cleanse the apoptotic cells were performed. Flow cytometric quantification of CD103+DCs that uptake fluorescently labeled apoptotic cells administered via intranasal route and migrate to mediastinal lymph nodes confirmed reduced number of CD103+DCs in SLAP KO mice. Further analysis of DC progenitor populations showed reduced pre-DC progenitor in the lung in SLAP KO mice while bone marrow compartment showed equal progenitor populations including pre-DC and common dendritic progenitors suggesting the role of SLAP in localized FLT3 signaling in the lung. Consistently, DCs in lymphoid compartment including spleen, thymus, inguinal and popliteal lymph node did not show any defects. Upon further dissecting the cellular mechanism, SLAP KO DCs showed increased apoptosis while having similar proliferation potential in vivo at steady state.Bone marrow progenitors from SLAP KO mice failed to generate mature DCs in the presence of FLT3 ligand in vitrodue to enhanced apoptosis at early time points. Also, submaximal inhibition of FLT3 with an inhibitor, quizartinib partially rescues the apoptotic phenotype of SLAP KO bone marrow progenitors suggesting a cell-intrinsic role of SLAP in the survival of DCs. Biochemical analysis revealed that SLAP is directly recruited to the juxta-membrane residues of the FLT3 receptor in an inducible manner suggesting a direct role of SLAP in the regulation of FLT3 signaling. Phosphoflow analysis of DCs generated in the combined presence of GMCSF and FLT3 ligands showed that SLAP promotes the signaling to SHP2 while perturbs signaling to the mTOR pathway. Together these results suggest that SLAP is a critical regulator of CD103+DCs homeostasis in selective peripheral organs including the lung. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Identification of a prostaglandin E2 receptor that regulates mosquito oenocytoid immune cell function in limiting bacteria and parasite infection

10.1101/2020.08.03.235432 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hyeogsun Kwon ◽

David R. Hall ◽

Ryan C. Smith

Keyword(s):

Immune Responses ◽

Prostaglandin E2 ◽

Cell Function ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Immune Cell Function ◽

Humoral Immune ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Prostaglandin E2 Receptor

AbstractLipid-derived signaling molecules known as eicosanoids have integral roles in mediating immune and inflammatory processes across metazoans. This includes the function of prostaglandins and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to employ their immunological actions. In insects, prostaglandins have been implicated in the regulation of both cellular and humoral immune responses, yet studies have been limited by the absence of a described prostaglandin receptor. Here, we characterize a prostaglandin E2 receptor (AgPGE2R) in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae and examine its contributions to innate immunity. AgPGE2R expression is most abundant in circulating hemocytes where it is primarily localized to oenocytoid immune cell populations. Through the administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and AgPGE2R-silencing by RNAi, we demonstrate that PGE2 signaling regulates the expression of a subset of prophenoloxidases (PPOs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). PGE2 priming via the AgPGE2R significantly limited bacterial replication and suppressed Plasmodium oocyst survival. Additional experiments establish that PGE2 priming increases phenoloxidase (PO) activity through the increased expression of PPO1 and PPO3, which significantly influence Plasmodium oocyst survival. We also provide evidence that PGE2 priming is concentration-dependent, where high concentrations of PGE2 promote oenocytoid lysis, negating the protective effects of PGE2 priming on anti-Plasmodium immunity. Taken together, our results characterize the AgPGE2R and the role of prostaglandin signaling on immune cell function, providing new insights into the role of PGE2 on anti-bacterial and anti-Plasmodium immune responses in the mosquito host.

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Antiasthmatic Effects of Herbal Complex MA and Its Fermented Product MA128

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2012/769508 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Dong-Seon Kim ◽

Seung-Hyung Kim ◽

Bok-Kyu Kim ◽

Min Cheol Yang ◽

Jin Yeul Ma

Keyword(s):

Lactobacillus Acidophilus ◽

Airway Hyperresponsiveness ◽

Cytokine Production ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Allergic Airway Inflammation ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Specific Ige ◽

Eosinophil Infiltration ◽

Th2 Cytokine ◽

Fermented Product

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, MA, and itsLactobacillus acidophilusfermented product, MA128, have therapeutic properties for the treatment of asthma. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by systemic sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) followed by intratracheal, intraperitoneal, and aerosol allergen challenges. MA and MA128 were orally administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks. At 1 day after the last ovalbumin exposure, airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed and samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung cells, and serum were collected for further analysis. We investigated the effect of MA and MA128 on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production, OVA-specific IgE production, and Th1/Th2 cytokine production in this mouse model of asthma. In BALB/c mice, we found that MA and MA128 treatment suppressed eosinophil infiltration into airways and blood, allergic airway inflammation and AHR by suppressing the production of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, Eotaxin, and OVA-specific IgE, by upregulating the production of OVA-specific Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ), and by downregulating OVA-specific Th2 cytokine (IL-4) in the culture supernatant of spleen cells. The effectiveness of MA was increased by fermentation withLactobacillus acidophilus.

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MicroRNA-29 mediates anti-inflammatory effects and alleviation of allergic responses and symptoms in mice with allergic rhinitis

Allergy Asthma & Clinical Immunology ◽

10.1186/s13223-021-00527-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jia Wang ◽

Jinshu Yin ◽

Hong Peng ◽

Aizhu Liu

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Nasal Mucosa ◽

Immunoglobulin E ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Specific Ige ◽

Ar Model ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Mucosa Cell

Abstract Background To investigate the role of microRNA-29 (miR-29) in mice with allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanism. Methods AR model was established in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal sensitization and intranasal challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). miRNA expression was examined in the nasal mucosa tissues of mice and patients with AR, and miRNA-29 was found to be downregulated. To unveil the role of miRNA-29 in AR, it was overexpressed in the nasal mucosa of AR mice by intranasal administration of miRNA-29 agomir. The symptoms of nasal rubbing and sneezing were recorded and evaluated. miR-29 expression, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, eosinophils number, and cleaved caspase-3 and CD276 expression were examined in nasal mucosa tissues and nasal lavage fluid (NALF) by qRT-PCR, ELISA, hematoxylin and eosin staining, western blotting, or immunohistochemistry, respectively. TUNEL assay was used to analyze nasal mucosa cells apoptosis. Results Decreased expression of miR-29 was observed in AR, the symptoms of which were alleviated by overexpressing miR-29. In addition, overexpression of miR-29 markedly reduced the concentration of OVA-specific IgE, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ, the pathological alterations and eosinophils infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Furthermore, restoration of miR-29 expression reduced nasal mucosa cell apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of miR-29 significantly attenuated CD276 mRNA and protein levels in nasal mucosa cells. Conclusion MiR-29 mediated antiallergic effects in OVA-induced AR mice by decreasing inflammatory response, probably through targeting CD276. MiRNA-29 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AR.

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FSTL1 aggravates Cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling by regulating autophagy

10.21203/rs.3.rs-26708/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ying Liu ◽

Jiawei Xu ◽

Tian Liu ◽

Jinxiang Wu ◽

Jiping Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Cigarette Smoke ◽

Airway Remodeling ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Copd Patients ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Impaired Lung Function

Abstract Background Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for COPD. Follistatin-like protein 1(FSTL1), a critical factor during embryogenesis particularly in respiratory lung development, is a novel mediator related to inflammation and tissue remodeling. We tried to investigate the role of FSTL1 in CS-induced autophagy dysregulaton, airway inflammation and remodeling. Methods Serum and lung specimens were obtained from COPD patients and controls. Adult female wild-type (WT) mice, FSTL1+/- mice and FSTL1flox/+ mice were exposed to room air or chronic CS. Additionally, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) ,an inhibitor of autophagy, were applied in CS exposed WT mice. The lung tissue and serum from patients and murine models were tested for FSTL1 and autophagy associated protein expression by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemical. Autophagosome were observed by Electron Microscope Technology(EMT). LTB4, IL-8 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were examined by ELISA. Airway remodeling and lung function were also assessed. Results Both FSTL1 and autophagy biomarkers increased in COPD patients and CS exposed WT mice. Autophagy activation was upregulated in CS exposed mice accompanied by airway remodeling and airway inflammation. FSTL1+/- mice showed a lower level of CS-induced autophagy compared with control mice. FSTL1+/- mice can also resist CS-induced inflammatory response, airway remodeling and impaired lung function. CS exposed WT mice with 3-MA pretreatment have a similar manifestation with CS exposed FSTL1+/- mice. Conclusions FSTL1 promotes CS-induced COPD by modulating autophagy, therefore targeting FSTL1 and autophagy may shed light on treating cigarette smoke induced COPD.

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CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Decreased CD8+IL-4+Cellsin a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Iranian Journal of Allergy Asthma and Immunology ◽

10.18502/ijaai.v18i4.1415 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ping Li ◽

Ze Li ◽

Guqin Zhang ◽

Jiong Yang ◽

Junwen Chen

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Regulatory T Cells ◽

Airway Inflammation ◽

Allergic Asthma ◽

Cell Sorting ◽

Cytotoxic T Cells ◽

Specific Ige ◽

Asthma Model ◽

Cytokine Levels ◽

Lung Eosinophilia

Interleukin (IL)-4-producing-CD8 (cytotoxic T cells, Tc) contribute to lung eosinophilia and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) to an antigen. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) attenuate airway inflammation and AHR. This study investigated whether Tregs decrease Tc2frequencies in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model of mice. Female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with OVA intraperitoneally and challenged with OVA intranasally to induce allergic asthma model. Tregs were sorted by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) microbeads. OVA-sensitized mice were injected with Tregs or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by tail vein ahead of the first challenge. Airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR)were evaluated by histological analysis and invasive method, respectively. OVA-specific IgE and cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of Tc1 and Tc2. Gata3 and T-bet mRNA was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). OVA-sensitized and challenged mice displayed typical asthma features, which included eosinophilic airway inflammation, higher levels of Th2 cytokines and AHR. Gata3 mRNA, Tc2 frequencies and OVA-specific IgE levels were significantly increased in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. Compared to PBS treatment, Tregs decreased Tc2 frequencies, airway inflammation, Th2 cytokine levels and AHR in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. IL-13 levels were negatively correlated with Tc1 frequencies and with IFNg levels in experimental mice. Our results demonstrated that Tregs could prevent airway inflammation and AHR by decreasing Tc2 frequencies and cytokine levels in OVA-induced asthma model of mice, supporting Tregmight be as a potent therapeutic target for alleviating airway inflammation and AHR.

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Sevoflurane Inhibits the Th2 Response and NLRP3 Expression in Murine Allergic Airway Inflammation

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2018/9021037 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Lixia Wang ◽

Binshan Zha ◽

Qiying Shen ◽

Hongyun Zou ◽

Cheng Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Airway Inflammation ◽

Inflammatory Cell ◽

Allergic Airway Inflammation ◽

Inflammatory Cells ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Th2 Response ◽

Cell Hyperplasia ◽

Mucus Production ◽

Caspase 1 ◽

Nlrp3 Expression

Background. Our colleagues have demonstrated an impressive therapeutic role of sevoflurane in a murine allergic airway inflammation model, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain undefined. In this study, we tried to investigate the effect of sevoflurane on the resolution of allergic airway inflammation and to assess whether NLRP3 or the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in this process. Methods. Female (C57BL/6) mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Then, some of the mice received MCC950 (10 mg/kg; i.p.) or 3% sevoflurane. Total and differential inflammatory cell numbers, proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the peribronchial inflammation density, and mucus production were evaluated. In addition, we analysed the protein levels of NLRP3, the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing the caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), pro-caspase-1, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue. Results. We found that OVA-induced inflammatory cell recruitment to peribronchial regions, goblet cell hyperplasia, the serum levels of IgE, inflammatory cells, and the Th2 cytokine secretion in BALF was potently suppressed by sevoflurane with an efficacy comparable with that suppressed by MCC950 treatment. Furthermore, sevoflurane, similar to MCC950, clearly inhibited the OVA-induced activity of NLRP3 in the lungs. In addition, we found that OVA challenge failed to increase the expression of ASC, pro-caspase-1, and caspase-1 in the lungs and the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in BALF. Conclusion. Taken together, our data showed that sevoflurane ameliorated allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2 responses and NLRP3 expression. The NLRP3 independent of inflammasomes participated in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma in this model.

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Pulmonary overexpression of IL-10 augments lung fibrosis and Th2 responses induced by silica particles

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.00329.2004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 288 (5) ◽

pp. L841-L848 ◽

Cited By ~ 74

Author(s):

Virginie Barbarin ◽

Zhou Xing ◽

Monique Delos ◽

Dominique Lison ◽

Francois Huaux

Keyword(s):

Lung Fibrosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Th2 Cytokines ◽

T Helper ◽

Th2 Response ◽

Adenoviral Gene Transfer

Chronic inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines as well as T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines have been involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary injury and lung fibrosis. The actual role of IL-10 in lung fibrosis is still unclear because this cytokine has been identified as Th2 but possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. To better dissect the potential role of IL-10 in silica-induced lung fibrosis, IL-10 was overexpressed in the lung of mice by adenoviral gene transfer during the inflammatory (administered at day − 1) or the fibrotic (administered at day + 30) stages of the disease. Pulmonary overexpression of IL-10 during both silica-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis exacerbated the fibrotic lesions as estimated by the measurement of hydroxyproline and other biochemical and histological markers. Increased expression of IL-10 significantly enhanced the number of lung lymphocytes and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IgG1 but not IgG2a levels, indicating the induction of a Th2-like immune response. In addition, the production of the profibrotic Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 was also significantly increased upon IL-10 overexpression. No difference in transforming growth factor-β or PGE2 production was noted after adenoviral IL-10 treatment of silica-treated mice. Together, these data indicate that the increased expression of IL-10 significantly contributed to silica-induced lung fibrosis by exacerbating the Th2 response and the production of the profibrotic cytokines IL-4 and IL-13.

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