CARsomes inhibit airway allergic inflammation in mice by inducing antigen-specific Th2 cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Skewed T helper (Th)2 response plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The therapeutic efficacy for allergic diseases is unsatisfactory currently. This study aims to regulate the skewed Th2 response with CARsomes. METHODS: The CARsome consisted of an epitope of Dermatophagoides farina-1 (Derf1), a segment of the anti-DEC205 antibody, the scFv, and an open reading frame of perforin. This fusion protein binds to DEC205 molecule on the surface of exosomes derived from dendritic cells (DC). The effects of CARsome on inducing antigen (Ag)-specific Th2 cell apoptosis were assessed both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Exposure to CARsomes in the culture induced Ag-specific Th2 cell apoptosis. Injection of CARsomes through the vein puncture also induced Ag-specific Th2 cell apoptosis in the lungs of sensitized mice. CARsomes could induce Ag-specific regulatory T cells. Administration of CARsomes efficiently inhibited experimental allergic airway inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The CARsomes can inhibit allergic airway inflammation by inducing Ag-specific Th2 cell apoptosis and induce Ag-specific regulatory T cells. The data suggest that CARsomes have the translational potential to be used to treat allergic airway inflammation.

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1)-producing B cells restore antigen (Ag)-specific immune tolerance in an allergic environment.

Restoration of the antigen (Ag)-specific immune tolerance in an allergic environment is refractory. B cells are involved in immune regulation. Whether B cells facilitate the generation of Ag-specific immune tolerance in an allergic environment requires further investigation. This paper aims to elucidate the mechanism by which B cells restore the Ag-specific immune tolerance in an allergic environment. In this study, a B cell-deficient mouse model was created by injecting an anti-CD20 antibody. The frequency of tolerogenic dendritic cell (TolDC) was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and methylation-specific PCR. The results showed that B cells were required in the generation of the TGF-ß-producing TolDCs in mice. B cell-derived TSP1 converted the latent TGF-ß to the active TGF-ß in DCs, which generated TGF-ß-producing TolDCs. Exposure to IL-13 inhibited the expression of TSP1 in B cells by enhancing the TSP1 gene DNA methylation. Treating food allergy mice with Ag-specific immunotherapy and IL-13 antagonists restored the generation of TolDCs and enhanced the effect of specific immunotherapy. In conclusion, B cells play a critical role in the restoration of specific immune tolerance in an allergic environment. Blocking IL-13 in an allergic environment facilitated the generation of TolDCs and enhanced the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy.

Allergen-specific immune response suppresses interleukin 10 expression in B cells via increasing micro-RNA-17-92 cluster.

Interleukin (IL)-10-expressing B cells play a critical role in the immune homeostasis in the body; its regulation has not been fully understood. Micro-RNA (miR)-17-92 cluster has strong regulation in the immunity. This study tests a hypothesis that miR-17-92 cluster suppresses IL-10 expression in B cells. In this study, peripheral B cells were collected from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The B cells were treated with specific allergens, dust mite extracts, in the culture. The expressions of miR-17-92 cluster and IL-10 in the culture were assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the levels of miR-19a, but not the rest of the 5 members (miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19b, miR-20a, and miR-92a), were significantly higher in peripheral B cells from AR patients as than in B cells from healthy participants. Exposure of B cells from AR patients to specific allergen, dust mite extracts, significantly increased the levels if miR-19a and suppressed the expression of IL-10 in B cells. The levels of histone deacetylase 11 and acetylated H3K9 were higher, and the RNA polymerase II and c-Maf (the IL-10 transcription factor) were lower, at the IL-10 promoter locus. In conclusion, miR-19a mediates the allergen-specific immune response-decreased IL-10 expression in B cells.

Insulin-like growth factor-2 enhances functions of antigen (Ag)-specific regulatory B cells.

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are important in immune regulation. The factors that regulate Breg functions are less clear. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is capable of inducing hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. This study aimed to investigate the role of IGF2 in the development of Bregs and the enhancement of their function. In this study, the expression of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and IGF2R in ovalbumin (OVA)-specific B cells (OVAsBCs) was assessed by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. The release of interleukin (IL)-10 from OVAsBCs and OVAsBC proliferation were assessed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and proliferation assay. The role of IGF2 in enhancing the function of OVAsBCs was tested with an intestinal allergic inflammation mouse model. The results showed that OVAsBCs expressed high levels of IGF2R. Exposure to both IGF2 and a specific antigen (Ag), OVA, markedly enhanced the expression of IL-10 in OVAsBCs as well as enhanced the IL-10(+) OVAsBC proliferation. The concurrent exposure to IGF2 and specific Ag markedly induced the IL-10 promoter DNA demethylation via activating the STAT5 pathway. IGF2 also enhanced both the OVAsBC proliferation in vivo and the effect of Ag-specific immunotherapy on inhibiting allergic inflammation in the intestine. We conclude that OVAsBCs express high levels of IGF2R and that IGF2 increases the expression of IL-10 in OVAsBCs and enhances OVAsBC proliferation and the inhibitory effect on allergic inflammation.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 enhances regulatory T-cell functions and suppresses food allergy in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: The functions of regulatory T (Treg) cells are important in immunity, and the regulatory mechanisms of Treg cell activities are not fully understood yet. OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 in the upregulation of Treg cell function. METHODS: The expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) on T cells was assessed by using flow cytometry. Treg cell functions were evaluated by assessing the suppressor effect on proliferation of other effector T (Teff) cells. The effect of IGF2 on regulating Treg cell functions were evaluated with a cell-culture model and a food allergy mouse model. RESULTS: Expression of IGF2R was observed in more than 90% of murine and human Treg cells but in less than 10% of effector CD4(+) T cells. Activation of IGF2R and T-cell receptor induced marked Treg cell proliferation and release of TGF-ß from Treg cells, which enhanced Treg cell immune suppressor effects on other Teff cell activities and allergic inflammation in the intestine. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of IGF2R enhances Treg cell functions in suppressing other Teff cell activities and inhibiting allergic inflammation in the intestine.

Prolactin mediates psychological stress-induced dysfunction of regulatory T cells to facilitate intestinal inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The dysfunction of immune regulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a number of chronic inflammatory disorders, such as IBD. A close relationship between psychological stress and intestinal inflammation has been noted; the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate a pathological pathway between psychological stress and the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Treg), and its effect on facilitating intestinal inflammation. DESIGN: A restraint stress model was employed to induce psychological stress in mice. The functions of Tregs were determined by assessing the immune suppressor effects in the intestine. A mouse model of intestinal inflammation was established using a low dose of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) together with the challenge of chronic stress. RESULTS: After treating mice with restraint stress, the suppressor function of intestinal Treg was compromised, although the frequency of Treg was not changed in the intestine. Further observation revealed that stress induced Tregs in the intestine to differentiate into foxhead box P3(+) interleukin (IL)-17(+) tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α(+) T cells. We also observed that exposure to stress-derived prolactin induced dendritic cells (DC) to produce IL-6 and IL-23 in vitro and in vivo, which played a critical role in altering Treg's phenotypes. Treating mice with chronic stress facilitated the initiation of intestinal inflammation by a low dose of TNBS or DSS, which was abolished by pretreatment with an inhibitor of prolactin, the cabergoline. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stress-derived prolactin alters DC and Treg's properties to contribute to intestinal inflammation.

Ubiquitin E3 ligase A20 facilitates processing microbial product in nasal epithelial cells.

Microbial products play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases; ubiquitin E3 ligase A20 (A20) is an important molecule in regulating inflammation in the body. The present study aims to elucidate the role of A20 in processing the absorbed microbial products in nasal epithelial cells. Human nasal mucosal specimens were collected from patients with or without chronic rhinitis and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Human nasal epithelial cell line, RPMI2650 cell, was employed to assess the role of A20 in processing the absorbed staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). The RPMI2650 cells absorbed SEB in the culture. The increase in A20 was observed in RPMI2650 cells in parallel to the absorption of SEB. A20 is a critical molecule in the degradation of SEB in the nasal epithelial cells by promoting the tethering of endosomes and lysosomes. A20 plays a critical role in processing of the absorbed SEB in nasal epithelial cells.

Corticotropin releasing hormone activates CD14+ cells to induce endothelial barrier dysfunction.

Endothelial barrier dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of a number of disorders in the body, but the aetiology is unclear. We have investigated the mechanism of the psychological stress mediator, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), on compromising the endothelial barrier function. Human endothelial cell line, Hmvec cells, was cultured in monolayers as a model of endothelial barrier. Human peripheral CD14+ cells were collected to be used as effector immune cells. The transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used as indicators of endothelial barrier function. Apoptosis in Hmvec cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Human CD14+ cells expressed both receptors (R) of CRH, the CRH-R1 and CRH-R2. Exposure to CRH induced CD14+ cells to release tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. CRH-activated CD14+ cells decreased TER and increased the permeability to HRP in co-cultured Hmvec monolayers. Co-culture with CRH-activated CD14+ cells increased the apoptosis in Hmvec cells. We conclude that CRH can activate CD14+ cells to produce TNF-α and compromise endothelial barrier function by inducing apoptosis of the endothelial cells.

The transcription factor XBP1 in dendritic cells promotes the TH2 cell response in airway allergy.

Dendritic cells (DCs) that express T cell immunoglobulin domain molecule-4 (TIM4), a cell surface receptor for phosphatidylserine, induce T helper 2 (TH2) cell responses and allergic reactions. We elucidated the role of the transcription factor X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP1) in the induction of the TH2 cell response through its role in generating TIM4+ DCs. We found that XBP1 was required for TIM4 mRNA and protein expression in airway DCs in response to the cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and that this pathway was required for TIM4 expression on DCs in response to the allergens PM2.5 and Derf1. The IL-2-XBP1-TIM4 axis in DCs contributed to Derf1/PM2.5-induced, aberrant TH2 cell responses in vivo. An interaction between the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Son of sevenless-1 (SOS1) and the GTPase RAS promoted XBP1 and TIM4 production in DCs. Targeting the XBP1-TIM4 pathway in DCs prevented or alleviated experimental airway allergy. Together, these data suggest that XBP1 is required for TH2 cell responses by inducing the development of TIM4+ DCs, which depends on the IL-2-XBP1-SOS1 axis. This signaling pathway provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of TH2 cell-dependent inflammation or allergic diseases.

Ubiquitin E3 ligase A20 contributes to maintaining epithelial barrier function.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases; the mechanism is to be further understood. Ubiquitin E3 ligase A20 (A20) plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis in the body. This study aims to investigate the role of A20 in maintaining the epithelial barrier function. METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial cell line, Caco-2 cells, was cultured to monolayers to test the endocytosis and degradation of a model allergen, ovalbumin (OVA). The role of A20 in the endosome/lysosome fusion in epithelial cells was tested with A20-sufficient and A20-deficient Caco-2 cells and visualized by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Caco-2 cells could endocytose exogenous allergens (OVA) in culture. The endocytic OVA was degraded in A20-sufficient Caco-2 cells via the mechanism of endosome/lysosome fusion, while the A20-deficient Caco-2 monolayers converted the OVA to the basal compartment of transwells, which conserved the antigenicity reflected by that it induced T cell proliferation in an allergen-specific manner. A20 was required in the fusion of endosomes and lysosomes. CONCLUSION: A20 contributes to maintaining the epithelial barrier function.

An eosinophil-Sos1-RAS axis licenses corticosteroid resistance in patients with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid resistance (CR) is a serious disadvantage in treating many chronic inflammatory conditions. Eosinophils are the main inflammation cells in allergic reactions. Environmental pollution, such as PM2.5, is associated with the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which the exposure to PM2.5 confers eosinophil CR status. METHODS: Patients with allergic rhinitis were recruited and assigned to corticosteroid sensitive (CS) and CR groups. Eosinophils were purified from nasal lavage fluids collected from patients with allergic rhinitis. A murine AR mouse model was developed with dust mite allergens and PM2.5 as the sensitization reagents. RESULTS: CR status was detected in about 60% eosinophil collected in patients with AR. Upon exposure to eosinophil activators, CS eosinophils released a large quantity of mediators, which was suppressed by the presence of steroids in the culture. CR eosinophils demonstrated resistance to steroidal therapy. RAS activation levels in eosinophils were higher in CR eosinophils than in CS eosinophils. Higher expression of the Son of sevenless-1 (Sos1) was detected in CR eosinophils, which formed a complex with RAS and glucocorticoidreceptor-α in CR eosinophils to prevent the binding between steroids and glucocorticoidreceptor-α. The presence of an Sos1 inhibitor dissociated glucocorticoid receptor-α from RAS/Sos1 complex, that restored the sensitivity to steroids in eosinophils. Administering the Sos1 inhibitor effectively attenuated the experimental allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: CR status was detected in approximately 1/3 eosinophils sampled from patients with allergic rhinitis. Sos1 was instrumental in the development and perseverance of CR in eosinophils. Sos1 inhibition restored sensitivity to steroids in CR eosinophils, which effectively reduced experimental allergic rhinitis.

Glutaminolysis is required in maintaining immune regulatory functions in B cells.

IL-10-expressing regulatory B cells (B10 cells) are dysfunctional in patients with many immune disorders. The underlying mechanism remains to be further elucidated. Glutamine is an essential nutrient for cell metabolism. This study aims to elucidate the role of glutaminolysis in maintaining the immune regulatory capacity in B10 cells. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 patients with allergic rhinitis and 50 healthy control subjects. B cells were isolated from blood samples by cell sorting with flow cytometry. The role of glutaminolysis in regulating B10 cell activities was assessed by immunological and biochemical approaches. The results showed that B cells from patients with allergic rhinitis expressed low levels of the transporter of glutamine and neutral amino acid. Glutaminolysis was required in the IL-10 expression in B cells. The glutamine catabolism was required in B10 cell generation. The mTOR activation mediated the glutaminolysis-associated B10 cell induction, and the suppression of the B cell glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) activation. GSK3 activation suppressed IL-10 expression in B cells. Inhibition of GSK3 enhanced IL-10 expression in B cells and alleviated experimental allergic rhinitis by generating immune competent type 1 regulatory T cells.

Inhibition of livin overcomes radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiotherapy is one of the major remedies for the treatment of cancer, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Radioresistance occurs very often in target cells that is a large drawback in cancer treated with radiotherapy. Livin involves the over-growth of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the role of livin in the radioresistance formation in NPC cells. METHODS: NPC cell lines were exposed to small doses of irradiation to establish a cell model of radioresistance, in which the role of livin in the development of radioresistance was evaluated. RESULTS: The expression of livin was observed in NPC cells, which was significantly increased after exposing to small doses of irradiation. A negative correlation was detected between livin and Fas expression in NPC cells. Livin formed a complex with heat shock factor-1 (HSF1, the transcription factor of Fas) in NPC cells after irradiation, which sped up ubiquitination of HSF1. Livin was involved in suppressing Fas expression in NPC cells with radioresistance. Exposure to livin inhibitors prevented radioresistance development and overcame the established radioresistance in NPC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Livin expression in NPC cells plays a critical role in the development of radioresistance. Depletion of livin increases the sensitiveness of NPC cells to irradiation. Target therapy against livin may have the translational potential for the treatment of NPC.

Soluble CD83 alleviates experimental allergic rhinitis through modulating antigen-specific Th2 cell property.

Background and aims: Dysfunction of the immune regulatory system plays a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). The underlying mechanism needs to be further investigated. Published data indicate that soluble CD83 (sCD83) has immune regulatory activities. This study aims to investigate the role of sCD83 in the alleviation of experimental AR. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from AR patients. Serum levels of sCD83 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A murine AR model was developed to test the effects of sCD83 on suppressing experimental AR. Results: We found that serum levels of sCD83 in the AR group were lower than that in the healthy control group. A negative correlation was identified between the serum sCD83 levels and the frequency of T helper-2 (Th2) cells. The low serum sCD83 levels were also associated with the Bcl2L12 expression in antigen-specific Th2 cells. Exposure to sCD83 enhanced the responsiveness of antigen-specific Th2 cells to apoptosis inducers via suppressing the Bcl2L12 expression. Administration of sCD83 efficiently suppressed experimental AR. Conclusions: sCD83 contributes to immune homeostasis by regulating CD4+ T cell activities. Administration of sCD83 may have translational potential for the treatment of AR or other allergic diseases.

Nasal instillation of probiotic extracts inhibits experimental allergic rhinitis.

Aim: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease. The therapeutic efficacy of AR needs to be improved. This study aims to evaluate the effects of local administration of probiotic extracts on inhibiting experimental AR. Methods: Epithelial cells (ECs) were primed by exposing to Clostridium butyricum extracts (CBe) in the culture to upregulate the expression of IL-10. A mouse AR model was developed to assess the therapeutic potential of CBe in AR. Results: CBe markedly induced the expression of IL-10 in ECs. Co-culture of naive B cells with CBe-primed ECs significantly increased IL-10 expression in the B cells (iB10 cells). The iB10 cells showed immune suppressive function in suppressing effector CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Treatment with nasal drops containing CBe efficiently inhibited experimental AR in mice. Conclusion: Local administration of CBe can efficiently inhibit experimental AR.

Expression Level of MiRNA-126 in Serum Exosomes of Allergic Asthma Patients and Lung Tissues of Asthmatic Mice.

BACKGROUND: To investigate MiRNA-126 amounts in serum exosomes from allergic asthma patients as well as lung tissues of asthmatic mice, evaluating the expression of its target gene DNMT1 in mouse specimens. METHODS: MiRNA-126 amounts in serum exosomes from asthmatic patients were detected by real-time PCR. The mouse model of allergic asthma was established by OVA-sensitization, and allergic symptoms were recorded; serum IL-4 and sIgE level evaluation (ELISA), broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and H&E staining were performed to assess airway inflammation. MiRNA-126 and DNMT1 levels in the lung of asthmatic and control mice were detected by real-time PCR; DNMT1 protein levels were detected by immunoblot. RESULTS: MiRNA-126 amounts in peripheral blood exosomes from patients with allergic asthma were significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers (P<0.05). The frequencies of scratching of both sides of the nose and sneezing were elevated within 10 min of excitation in asthmatic rats compared with controls. Meanwhile, OVA-sIgE and IL-4 levels were significantly higher in asthmatic animals than controls (P<0.05). In the asthma group, narrowed bronchial lumen and thickened wall were observed, and bronchial and peripheral vessels showed overt inflammatory cell infiltration. Eosinophil, neutrophil and mast cell amounts in the BALF of asthmatic mice were significantly higher than control values. Furthermore, lung miRNA-126 expression in asthmatic mice was significantly higher than that of controls. Finally, DNMT1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in asthmatic animals compared with controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: MiRNA-126 is highly expressed in serum exosomes from allergic asthma patients and lung tissues of asthmatic mice, suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.