ABSTRACTIntroductionEpithelial cell-derived cytokines IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP initiate type 2 inflammation in allergic diseases. However, the signaling pathway regulating these cytokines expression remains elusive. We examined the role of epithelial microRNAs in the expression of IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in asthma.MethodsDifferentially expressed epithelial microRNAs between type 2-low and type 2-high asthma patients were identified using microarray. The expression of microRNA (miR)-206, its target CD39, CD39’s substrate ATP, and IL-25, IL-33, TSLP were measured in epithelial brushings and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from both asthma subsets and healthy controls. The links between these measurements were functionally validated in vitro and in vivo.ResultsMiR-206 was the most highly expressed microRNA in type 2-high asthma relative to type 2-low asthma, but was downregulated in both asthma subsets compared with healthy controls. CD39, an ecto-nucleotidase degrading ATP, was a target of miR-206 and upregulated in asthma. Allergen-induced acute extracellular ATP accumulation led to miR-206 downregulation and CD39 upregulation in human bronchial epithelial cells, forming a feedback loop to eliminate excessive ATP. Airway ATP levels strongly correlated with elevated IL-25 and TSLP expression in type 2-high asthma patients. Intriguingly, airway miR-206 antagonism increased Cd39 expression, reduced ATP accumulation, suppressed Il-25, Il-33, Tslp expression and group 2 innate lymphoid cells expansion, and alleviated type 2 inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. However, airway miR-206 overexpression had opposite effects.ConclusionTogether, epithelial miR-206 upregulates airway IL-25, TSLP expression via targeting CD39-extracellular ATP axis, which represents a novel therapeutic target in type 2-high asthma.