Diacylglycerol kinase ζ promotes allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness through distinct mechanisms.

Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammatory airway disease caused by aberrant immune responses to inhaled allergens, which leads to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to contractile stimuli and airway obstruction. Blocking T helper 2 (TH2) differentiation represents a viable therapeutic strategy for allergic asthma, and strong TCR-mediated ERK activation blocks TH2 differentiation. Here, we report that targeting diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase zeta (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG-mediated cell signaling, protected against allergic asthma by simultaneously reducing airway inflammation and AHR though independent mechanisms. Targeted deletion of DGKζ in T cells decreased type 2 inflammation without reducing AHR. In contrast, loss of DGKζ in airway smooth muscle cells decreased AHR but not airway inflammation. T cell-specific enhancement of ERK signaling was only sufficient to limit type 2 airway inflammation, not AHR. Pharmacological inhibition of DGK diminished both airway inflammation and AHR in mice and also reduced bronchoconstriction of human airway samples in vitro. These data suggest that DGK is a previously unrecognized therapeutic target for asthma and reveal that the inflammatory and AHR components of asthma are not as interdependent as generally believed.

CD154 Costimulation Shifts the Local T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Not Only During Thymic Selection but Also During Peripheral T-Dependent Humoral Immune Responses.

CD154 is a transmembrane cytokine expressed transiently on activated CD4 T cells upon T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation that interacts with CD40 on antigen-presenting cells. The signaling via CD154:CD40 is essential for B-cell maturation and germinal center formation and also for the final differentiation of CD4 T cells during T-dependent humoral immune responses. Recent data demonstrate that CD154 is critically involved in the selection of T-cell clones during the negative selection process in the thymus. Whether CD154 signaling influences the TCR repertoire during peripheral T-dependent humoral immune responses has not yet been elucidated. To find out, we used CD154-deficient mice and assessed the global TCRß repertoire in T-cell zones (TCZ) of spleens by high-throughput sequencing after induction of a Th2 response to the multiepitopic antigen sheep red blood cells. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of the splenic TCZ-specific TCRß repertoires revealed that CD154 deficiency shifts the distribution of Vß-Jß genes after antigen exposure. This data led to the conclusion that costimulation via CD154:CD40 during the interaction of T cells with CD40-matured B cells contributes to the recruitment of T-cell clones into the immune response and thereby shapes the peripheral TCR repertoire.

The E3 ligases Itch and WWP2 cooperate to limit TH2 differentiation by enhancing signaling through the TCR.

The mechanisms by which the sensitivity of naive CD4+ T cells to stimulation by the cognate antigen via the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) determines their differentiation into distinct helper T cell subsets remain elusive. Here we demonstrate functional collaboration of the ubiquitin E3 ligases Itch and WWP2 in regulating the strength of the TCR signal. Mice lacking both Itch and WWP2 in T cells showed spontaneous autoimmunity and lung inflammation. CD4+ T cells deficient in Itch and WWP2 exhibited hypo-responsiveness to TCR stimulation and a bias toward differentiation into the TH2 subset of helper T cells. Itch and WWP2 formed a complex and cooperated to enhance TCR-proximal signaling by catalyzing the conjugation of atypical ubiquitin chains to the phosphatase SHP-1 and reducing the association of SHP-1 with the tyrosine kinase Lck. These findings indicate that targeted ubiquitination regulates the strength of the TCR signal and differentiation toward the TH2 lineage.

TCR-induced sumoylation of the kinase PKC-θ controls T cell synapse organization and T cell activation.

Sumoylation regulates many cellular processes, but its role in signaling via the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) remains unknown. We found that the kinase PKC-θ was sumoylated upon costimulation with antigen or via the TCR plus the coreceptor CD28, with Lys325 and Lys506 being the main sumoylation sites. We identified the SUMO E3 ligase PIASxß as a ligase for PKC-θ. Analysis of primary mouse and human T cells revealed that sumoylation of PKC-θ was essential for T cell activation. Desumoylation did not affect the catalytic activity of PKC-θ but inhibited the association of CD28 with PKC-θ and filamin A and impaired the assembly of a mature immunological synapse and central co-accumulation of PKC-θ and CD28. Our findings demonstrate that sumoylation controls TCR-proximal signaling and that sumoylation of PKC-θ is essential for the formation of a mature immunological synapse and T cell activation.

PARP is activated in human asthma and its inhibition by olaparib blocks house dust mite-induced disease in mice.

Our laboratory established a role for poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) in asthma. To increase the clinical significance of our studies, it is imperative to demonstrate that PARP is actually activated in human asthma, to examine whether a PARP inhibitor approved for human testing such as olaparib blocks already-established chronic asthma traits in response to house dust mite (HDM), a true human allergen, in mice and to examine whether the drug modulates human cluster of differentiation type 4 (CD4(+)) T-cell function. To conduct the study, human lung specimens and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and a HDM-based mouse asthma model were used. Our results show that PARP is activated in PBMCs and lung tissues of asthmatics. PARP inhibition by olaparib or gene knockout blocked established asthma-like traits in mice chronically exposed to HDM including airway eosinophilia and hyper-responsiveness. These effects were linked to a marked reduction in T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine production without a prominent effect on interferon (IFN)-γ or interleukin (IL)-10. PARP inhibition prevented HDM-induced increase in overall cellularity, weight and CD4(+) T-cell population in spleens of treated mice whereas it increased the T-regulatory cell population. In CD3/CD28-stimulated human CD4 (+)T-cells, olaparib treatment reduced Th2 cytokine production potentially by modulating GATA binding protein-3 (gata-3)/IL-4 expression while moderately affecting T-cell proliferation. PARP inhibition inconsistently increased IL-17 in HDM-exposed mice and CD3/CD28-stimulated CD4(+) T cells without a concomitant increase in factors that can be influenced by IL-17. In the present study, we provide evidence for the first time that PARP-1 is activated in human asthma and that its inhibition is effective in blocking established asthma in mice.

Protein kinase CK2 enables regulatory T cells to suppress excessive TH2 responses in vivo.

The quality of the adaptive immune response depends on the differentiation of distinct CD4(+) helper T cell subsets, and the magnitude of an immune response is controlled by CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells). However, how a tissue- and cell type-specific suppressor program of Treg cells is mechanistically orchestrated has remained largely unexplored. Through the use of Treg cell-specific gene targeting, we found that the suppression of allergic immune responses in the lungs mediated by T helper type 2 (TH2) cells was dependent on the activity of the protein kinase CK2. Genetic ablation of the ß-subunit of CK2 specifically in Treg cells resulted in the proliferation of a hitherto-unexplored ILT3(+) Treg cell subpopulation that was unable to control the maturation of IRF4(+)PD-L2(+) dendritic cells required for the development of TH2 responses in vivo.

Chitinase 3-like-1 regulates both visceral fat accumulation and asthma-like Th2 inflammation.

RATIONALE: Obesity, especially truncal obesity, is a risk factor for asthma incidence, prevalence, and severity. Chitinase 3-like-1 (Chi3l1) is an evolutionarily conserved moiety that plays a critical role in antipathogen and Th2 responses. However, the mechanisms that underlie the association between asthma and obesity and the role(s) of Chi3l1 in fat accumulation have not been defined. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether Chi3l1 is regulated by a high-fat diet (HFD) and simultaneously plays an important role(s) in the pathogenesis of asthma and obesity. METHODS: We evaluated the regulation of Chi3l1 by an HFD and Th2 inflammation. We also used genetically modified mice to define the roles of Chi3l1 in white adipose tissue (WAT) accumulation and Th2 inflammation and blockers of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) to define its roles in these responses. Finally, the human relevance of these findings was assessed with a case-control study involving obese and lean control subjects and those with asthma. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: These studies demonstrate that an HFD and aeroallergen challenge augment the expression of WAT and pulmonary Chi3l1. Chi3l1 also played a critical role in WAT accumulation and lung Th2 inflammation. In addition, Chi3l1 inhibited Sirt1 expression, and the deficient visceral fat and Th2 responses in Chi3l1 null mice were reversed by Sirt1 inhibition. Finally, serum and sputum Chi3l1 were positively associated with truncal adiposity, and serum Chi3l1 was associated with persistent asthma and low lung function in obese subjects with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Chi3l1 is induced by an HFD and Th2 inflammation, and simultaneously contributes to the genesis of obesity and asthma.

Critical role of histone demethylase Jmjd3 in the regulation of CD4+ T-cell differentiation.

Epigenetic factors have been implicated in the regulation of CD4(+) T-cell differentiation. Jmjd3 plays a role in many biological processes, but its in vivo function in T-cell differentiation remains unknown. Here we report that Jmjd3 ablation promotes CD4(+) T-cell differentiation into Th2 and Th17 cells in the small intestine and colon, and inhibits T-cell differentiation into Th1 cells under different cytokine-polarizing conditions and in a Th1-dependent colitis model. Jmjd3 deficiency also restrains the plasticity of the conversion of Th2, Th17 or Treg cells to Th1 cells. The skewing of T-cell differentiation is concomitant with changes in the expression of key transcription factors and cytokines. H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 levels in Jmjd3-deficient cells are correlated with altered gene expression through interactions with specific transcription factors. Our results identify Jmjd3 as an epigenetic factor in T-cell differentiation via changes in histone methylation and target gene expression.

Serine protease inhibition attenuates rIL-12-induced GZMA activity and proinflammatory events by modulating the Th2 profile from estrogen-treated mice.

Estrogen has potent immunomodulatory effects on proinflammatory responses, which can be mediated by serine proteases. We now demonstrate that estrogen increased the extracellular expression and IL-12-induced activity of a critical member of serine protease family Granzyme A, which has been shown to possess a novel inflammatory persona. The inhibition of serine protease activity with inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride significantly diminished enhanced production of proinflammatory interferon-γ, IL-1ß, IL-1α, and Granzyme A activity even in the presence of a Th1-inducing cytokine, IL-12 from splenocytes from in vivo estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition of serine protease activity selectively promoted secretion of Th2-specific IL-4, nuclear phosphorylated STAT6A, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)6A translocation, and STAT6A DNA binding in IL-12-stimulated splenocytes from estrogen-treated mice. Inhibition with 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride reversed the down-regulation of Th2 transcription factors, GATA3 and c-Maf in splenocytes from estrogen-exposed mice. Although serine protease inactivation enhanced the expression of Th2-polarizing factors, it did not reverse estrogen-modulated decrease of phosphorylated STAT5, a key factor in Th2 development. Collectively, data suggest that serine protease inactivity augments the skew toward a Th2-like profile while down-regulating IL-12-induced proinflammatory Th1 biomolecules upon in vivo estrogen exposure, which implies serine proteases as potential regulators of inflammation. Thus, these studies may provide a potential mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effect of estrogen and insight into new therapeutic strategies for proinflammatory and female-predominant autoimmune diseases.

Autosomal recessive phosphoglucomutase 3 (PGM3) mutations link glycosylation defects to atopy, immune deficiency, autoimmunity, and neurocognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Identifying genetic syndromes that lead to significant atopic disease can open new pathways for investigation and intervention in allergy. OBJECTIVE: We sought to define a genetic syndrome of severe atopy, increased serum IgE levels, immune deficiency, autoimmunity, and motor and neurocognitive impairment. METHODS: Eight patients from 2 families with similar syndromic features were studied. Thorough clinical evaluations, including brain magnetic resonance imaging and sensory evoked potentials, were performed. Peripheral lymphocyte flow cytometry, antibody responses, and T-cell cytokine production were measured. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify disease-causing mutations. Immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, enzymatic assays, nucleotide sugar, and sugar phosphate analyses, along with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry of glycans, were used to determine the molecular consequences of the mutations. RESULTS: Marked atopy and autoimmunity were associated with increased T(H)2 and T(H)17 cytokine production by CD4(+) T cells. Bacterial and viral infection susceptibility were noted along with T-cell lymphopenia, particularly of CD8(+) T cells, and reduced memory B-cell numbers. Apparent brain hypomyelination resulted in markedly delayed evoked potentials and likely contributed to neurologic abnormalities. Disease segregated with novel autosomal recessive mutations in a single gene, phosphoglucomutase 3 (PGM3). Although PGM3 protein expression was variably diminished, impaired function was demonstrated by decreased enzyme activity and reduced uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, along with decreased O- and N-linked protein glycosylation in patients' cells. These results define a new congenital disorder of glycosylation. CONCLUSIONS: Autosomal recessive hypomorphic PGM3 mutations underlie a disorder of severe atopy, immune deficiency, autoimmunity, intellectual disability, and hypomyelination.

Itch expression by Treg cells controls Th2 inflammatory responses.

Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by limiting autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Treg differentiation, maintenance, and function are controlled by the transcription factor Foxp3. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying Treg cell regulation remain elusive. Here, we show that Treg cell-specific ablation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch in mice caused massive multiorgan lymphocyte infiltration and skin lesions, chronic T cell activation, and the development of severe antigen-induced airway inflammation. Surprisingly, Foxp3 expression, homeostasis, and the in vitro and in vivo suppressive capability of Treg cells were not affected by Itch deficiency. We found that the expression of Th2 cytokines by Treg cells was increased in the absence of Itch. Fate mapping revealed that a fraction of Treg cells lost Foxp3 expression independently of Itch. However, Th2 cytokines were excessively augmented in Itch(-/-) Foxp3-negative "ex-Treg" cells without altering the percentage of conversion. Targeted knockdown of Th2 transcriptional regulators in Itch(-/-) Treg cells prevented Th2 cytokine production. The present study unveils a mechanism of Treg cell acquisition of Th2-like properties that is independent of Foxp3 function and Treg cell stability.

The steroidogenic enzyme Cyp11a1 is essential for development of peanut-induced intestinal anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (Cyp11a1), a cytochrome P450 enzyme, is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the steroidogenic pathway, converting cholesterol to pregnenolone. Cyp11a1 expression is increased in activated T cells. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the role of Cyp11a1 activation in the development of peanut allergy and TH cell functional differentiation. METHODS: A Cyp11a1 inhibitor, aminoglutethimide (AMG), was administered to peanut-sensitized and challenged mice. Clinical symptoms, intestinal inflammation, and Cyp11a1 levels were assessed. The effects of Cyp11a1 inhibition on T(H)1, T(H)2, and T(H)17 differentiation were determined. Cyp11a1 gene silencing was performed with Cyp11a1-targeted short hairpin RNA. RESULTS: Peanut sensitization and challenge resulted in diarrhea, inflammation, and increased levels of Cyp11a1, IL13, and IL17A mRNA in the small intestine. Inhibition of Cyp11a1 with AMG prevented allergic diarrhea and inflammation. Levels of pregnenolone in serum were reduced in parallel. AMG treatment decreased IL13 and IL17A mRNA expression in the small intestine without affecting Cyp11a1 mRNA or protein levels. In vitro the inhibitor decreased IL13 and IL17A mRNA and protein levels in differentiated T(H)2 and T(H)17 CD4 T cells, respectively, without affecting GATA3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), or T(H)1 cells and IFNG and T-bet expression. Short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of Cyp11a1 in polarized T(H)2 CD4 T cells significantly decreased pregnenolone and IL13 mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: Cyp11a1 plays an important role in the development of peanut allergy, regulating peanut-induced allergic responses through effects on steroidogenesis, an essential pathway in T(H)2 differentiation. Cyp11a1 thus serves as a novel target in the regulation and treatment of peanut allergy.

Ibrutinib is an irreversible molecular inhibitor of ITK driving a Th1-selective pressure in T lymphocytes.

Given its critical role in T-cell signaling, interleukin-2-inducible kinase (ITK) is an appealing therapeutic target that can contribute to the pathogenesis of certain infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. Ablation of ITK subverts Th2 immunity, thereby potentiating Th1-based immune responses. While small-molecule ITK inhibitors have been identified, none have demonstrated clinical utility. Ibrutinib is a confirmed irreversible inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with outstanding clinical activity and tolerability in B-cell malignancies. Significant homology between BTK and ITK alongside in silico docking studies support ibrutinib as an immunomodulatory inhibitor of both ITK and BTK. Our comprehensive molecular and phenotypic analysis confirms ITK as an irreversible T-cell target of ibrutinib. Using ibrutinib clinical trial samples along with well-characterized neoplastic (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), parasitic infection (Leishmania major), and infectious disease (Listeria monocytogenes) models, we establish ibrutinib as a clinically relevant and physiologically potent ITK inhibitor with broad therapeutic utility. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01105247 and #NCT01217749.

Shp1 regulates T cell homeostasis by limiting IL-4 signals.

The protein-tyrosine phosphatase Shp1 is expressed ubiquitously in hematopoietic cells and is generally viewed as a negative regulatory molecule. Mutations in Ptpn6, which encodes Shp1, result in widespread inflammation and premature death, known as the motheaten (me) phenotype. Previous studies identified Shp1 as a negative regulator of TCR signaling, but the severe systemic inflammation in me mice may have confounded our understanding of Shp1 function in T cell biology. To define the T cell­intrinsic role of Shp1, we characterized mice with a T cell­specific Shp1 deletion (Shp1fl/fl CD4-cre). Surprisingly, thymocyte selection and peripheral TCR sensitivity were unaltered in the absence of Shp1. Instead, Shp1(fl/fl) CD4-cre mice had increased frequencies of memory phenotype T cells that expressed elevated levels of CD44. Activation of Shp1-deficient CD4⁺ T cells also resulted in skewing to the Th2 lineage and increased IL-4 production. After IL-4 stimulation of Shp1- deficient T cells, Stat 6 activation was sustained, leading to enhanced Th2 skewing. Accordingly, we observed elevated serum IgE in the steady state. Blocking or genetic deletion of IL-4 in the absence of Shp1 resulted in a marked reduction of the CD44hi population. Therefore, Shp1 is an essential negative regulator of IL-4 signaling in T lymphocytes.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is differentially expressed by different white blood cell populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

BACKGROUND: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is involved in immune processes such as transplant and fetal rejection, autoimmunity, cancer, and infection; however, its expression in rhesus macaques has not been fully addressed. METHODS: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA and protein in the white blood cells (WBCs) of Chinese rhesus macaques were examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, real-time RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Both IDO protein and mRNA could be readily detected in WBCs or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of normal rhesus macaques. IDO+ cell frequency was the highest among CD14(+) mononuclear cells, followed by CD56(+) cells and DCs. No difference in the frequency of IDO+ cells between CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells; however, Th17 cells have higher frequency of IDO+ cells than Th1 cells, with Th2 cells the lowest. Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation significantly increased IDO protein level in CD14(+) , CD56(+) , CD1c(+) , CD11c(+) , and CD123(+) myeloid cells. CONCLUSION: Rhesus macaques express IDO differentially in their leukocyte subsets and are suitable for IDO-related pathophysiological studies.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 14 and its enzyme activity regulates T(H)2 differentiation and allergic airway disease.

BACKGROUND: IL-4 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) play an important role in the progression of allergic airway disease (AAD) or asthma. IL-4 and STAT6 mediate T(H)2 responses in T cells and immunoglobulin class-switching to IgE in B cells. Both T(H)2 responses and IgE promote the asthmatic condition. We have previously demonstrated that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 14, a member of the PARP family of proteins, regulates the transcription function of STAT6. However, the role of PARP-14 in AAD is not known. OBJECTIVE: Here we investigate the role of PARP-14 and the enzyme activity associated with it in a model of AAD dependent on airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation. We also elucidate the mechanism by which PARP-14 regulates AAD. METHODS: The role of PARP-14 and its enzyme activity in AAD and T(H)2 differentiation were examined by using a murine model of AAD and in vitro T(H) cell differentiation. RESULTS: PARP-14-deficient animals show reduced lung pathology and IgE levels when compared with control animals. Treating mice with a pharmacologic inhibitor for PARP activity reduced the severity of airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation. Mechanistically, our data indicate that PARP-14 and its enzyme activity aid in the differentiation of T cells toward a T(H)2 phenotype by regulating the binding of STAT6 to the Gata3 promoter. CONCLUSION: PARP-14 and the catalytic activity associated with it promote T(H)2 differentiation and AAD in a murine model, and targeting PARP-14 might be a potential new therapy for allergic asthma.

Effect of tyrosine hydroxylase gene silencing in CD4+ T lymphocytes on differentiation and function of helper T cells.

OBJECTIVES: We explored effect of gene silencing of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of catecholamines (CAs), in CD4+ T cells on differentiation and function of helper T (Th) cells to provide more evidence for functional significance of lymphocyte-derived CAs. METHODS: CD4+ T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice. Recombinant TH miRNA expression vector (pcDNA6.2-GW/EmGFPmiR-TH) was constructed and transfected into concanavalin A (Con A)-activated CD4+ T lymphocytes using nucleofection technology. After incubated for 48 h, these cells were detected for TH gene and protein expression and CA content. Simultaneously, percentage of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)- and interleukin-4 (IL-4)-producing cells and levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-4 and IL-5 in culture supernatants of Con A-stimulated CD4+ T cells were examined by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: CD4+ T lymphocytes with TH RNAi expressed less TH mRNA and protein and synthesized less CAs including norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine than control cells with mock transfection. The silencing of TH gene in CD4+ T lymphocytes reduced percentage of IL-4-producing cells and elevated ratio of IFN-γ-producing cells to IL-4-producing cells, although it did not alter proportion of IFN-γ-producing cells. The Th1 cytokines, IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF, were increased, but the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, were decreased in the culture supernatants of Con A-stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes that were transfected with TH miRNA. CONCLUSION: TH gene silencing attenuates TH expression and CA synthesis in CD4+ T lymphocytes and promotes polarization of differentiation and function towards Th1 cells.

CD5-dependent CK2 activation pathway regulates threshold for T cell anergy.

CD5 activates casein kinase 2 (CK2), a serine/threonine kinase that constitutively associates with the CK2-binding domain at the end of its cytoplasmic tail. To determine the physiological significance of CD5-dependent CK2 activation in T cells, we generated a knock-in mouse that expresses a CD5 protein containing a microdeletion with selective inability to interact with CK2 (CD5ΔCK2BD). The levels of CD5 on developing and mature T cell populations from CD5ΔCK2BD mice and CD5 wild-type (WT) mice were similar. The thymus of CD5ΔCK2BD mice contained fewer double-positive thymocytes than did that of both CD5WT and CD5 knockout (KO) mice, although the numbers of all other immature and mature T cell populations were unaltered. CD5ΔCK2BD T cells hypoproliferated and exhibited enhanced activation-induced cell death when stimulated with anti-CD3 or cognate peptide in comparison with CD5WT T cells. We also found that functional CD5-dependent CK2 signaling was necessary for efficient differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th2 and Th17 cells, but not Th1 cells. We previously showed that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in CD5KO mice was less severe and delayed in onset than in CD5WT mice. Remarkably, CD5ΔCK2BD mice recapitulated both EAE severity and disease onset of CD5KO mice. Increasing the immunization dose of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 peptide, a model that mimics high-dose tolerance, led to decreased severity of EAE in CD5WT mice but not in CD5KO or CD5ΔCK2BD mice. This property was recapitulated in in vitro restimulation assays. These results demonstrate that CD5-CK2 signaling sets the threshold for T cell responsiveness and is necessary for efficient generation of Th2 and Th17 cells.

p38α protein negatively regulates T helper type 2 responses by orchestrating multiple T cell receptor-associated signals.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α is a critical regulator of certain inflammatory diseases. However, its role in T helper type 2 (Th2) responses and allergic inflammation remains unknown. Here we show an increase in the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in p38α(-/-) CD4(+) T cells in response to antigen stimulation. p38α-deficient naïve CD4(+) T cells preferentially differentiate into Th2 cells through increased endogenous production of IL-4. Consistent with those results, we also observed decreased expression of p38α during T helper cell differentiation. Furthermore, deficiency of p38α alters the balance in the expression of NFATc1 and NFATc2 under steady-state conditions and enhances the expression and nuclear translocation of NFATc1 in CD4(+) T cells upon antigen stimulation. Knockdown of NFATc1 significantly inhibits Th2 differentiation in p38α(-/-) T cells but not in p38α(+/-) T cells. p38α deficiency also inhibits the activation of Akt but enhances the activation of ERK in response to T cell receptor engagement without impacting IL-2/Stat5 signaling. In a model of ovalbumin-induced acute allergic airway inflammation, mice with induced deletion of p38α show elevated serum ovalbumin-specific IgE level, increased infiltration of eosinophils, and higher concentrations of Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-5 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid relative to control mice. Taken together, p38α regulates multiple T cell receptor-associated signals and negatively influences Th2 differentiation and allergic inflammation.

An epigenetic silencing pathway controlling T helper 2 cell lineage commitment.

During immune responses, naive CD4+ T cells differentiate into several T helper (TH) cell subsets under the control of lineage-specifying genes. These subsets (TH1, TH2 and TH17 cells and regulatory T cells) secrete distinct cytokines and are involved in protection against different types of infection. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the regulation of these developmental programs, and correlations have been drawn between the levels of particular epigenetic marks and the activity or silencing of specifying genes during differentiation. Nevertheless, the functional relevance of the epigenetic pathways involved in TH cell subset differentiation and commitment is still unclear. Here we explore the role of the SUV39H1­H3K9me3­HP1α silencing pathway in the control of TH2 lineage stability. This pathway involves the histone methylase SUV39H1, which participates in the trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me3), a modification that provides binding sites for heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α) and promotes transcriptional silencing. This pathway was initially associated with heterochromatin formation and maintenance but can also contribute to the regulation of euchromatic genes. We now propose that the SUV39H1­H3K9me3­HP1α pathway participates in maintaining the silencing of TH1 loci, ensuring TH2 lineage stability. In TH2 cells that are deficient in SUV39H1, the ratio between trimethylated and acetylated H3K9 is impaired, and the binding of HP1α at the promoters of silenced TH1 genes is reduced. Despite showing normal differentiation, both SUV39H1-deficient TH2 cells and HP1α-deficient TH2 cells, in contrast to wild-type cells, expressed TH1 genes when recultured under conditions that drive differentiation into TH1 cells. In a mouse model of TH2-driven allergic asthma, the chemical inhibition or loss of SUV39H1 skewed T-cell responses towards TH1 responses and decreased the lung pathology. These results establish a link between the SUV39H1­H3K9me3­HP1α pathway and the stability of TH2 cells, and they identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in TH2-cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.