Dectin-2 recognition of house dust mite triggers cysteinyl leukotriene generation by dendritic cells

Preventing asthma exacerbations: what are the targets?

Exacerbations of asthma are the main cause of asthma morbidity. They induce acute respiratory failure, and sometimes death. Two immunological signals acting in synergy are necessary for inducing asthma exacerbations. The first, triggered by allergens and/or unknown agents leads to the chronic Th2 inflammation characteristic of asthma. The second, caused by either viral infection, allergens, pollutants or a combination of these, results in an acute Th1 and Th2 inflammation precipitating symptoms. In both, innate and adaptive immunities are involved, providing a series of potential targets for therapy. Molecules associated to the first, chronic inflammation constitute targets for preventing therapies, when these related to the second, acute signal provide the rationale for curative treatments. Toll like receptors and bronchial epithelial cell-derived cytokines, engaged upstream of inflammation constitute interesting candidates for future treatments. The great heterogeneity of asthma has to be taken into account when considering targets for therapy to identify clusters of responders and nonresponders, and an integrative system biology approach will be necessary to go further.

C-type lectins with a sweet spot for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The pattern of receptors sensing pathogens onto host cells is a key factor that can determine the outcome of the infection. This is particularly true when such receptors belong to the family of pattern recognition receptors involved in immunity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiologic agent of tuberculosis interacts with a wide range of pattern-recognition receptors present on phagocytes and belonging to the Toll-like, Nod-like, scavenger and C-type lectin receptor families. A complex scenario where those receptors can establish cross-talks in recognizing pathogens or microbial determinants including mycobacterial components in different spatial and temporal context starts to emerge as a key event in the outcome of the immune response, and thus, the control of the infection. In this review, we will focus our attention on the family of calcium-dependent carbohydrate receptors, the C-type lectin receptors, that is of growing importance in the context of microbial infections. Members of this family appear to be key innate immune receptors of mycobacteria, capable of cross-talk with other pattern recognition receptors to induce or modulate the inflammatory context upon mycobacterial infection.

Dectin-2 mediates Th2 immunity through the generation of cysteinyl leukotrienes

The innate signaling pathways for Th2 immunity activated by inhaled antigens are not well defined. We previously identified Dectin-2 as a receptor for glycans in allergen extracts from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) that mediates cysteinyl leukotriene (cys-LT) generation from pulmonary CD11c+ cells and from GM-CSF-cultured bone marrow cells (BMCs(GM-CSF)). Using lentiviral knockdown of Dectin-2 in BMCs(GM-CSF) and adoptive transfer of Df-pulsed BMCs(GM-CSF) to sensitize naive mice, we now report that Dectin-2 is critical for the development of Df-elicited eosinophilic and neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation and Th2 cytokine generation in the lungs and restimulated lymph nodes. Sensitization with Df-pulsed BMCs(GM-CSF) from LTC(4) synthase (LTC(4)S)-deficient mice or type 1 cys-LT receptor (CysLT1R)-deficient mice demonstrated that both proteins were required for Df-elicited eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation and Th2 cytokine generation in the lungs and restimulated lymph nodes. Direct sensitization and challenge of Ltc4s-/- and Cysltr1-/- mice confirmed that cys-LTs mediate these parameters of Df-elicited Th2 pulmonary inflammation. Thus, the Dectin-2-cys-LT pathway is critical for the induction of Th2 immunity to a major allergen, in part through CysLT1R. These findings identify a previously unrecognized link between a myeloid C-type lectin receptor and Th2 immunity.

Syk-coupled C-type lectins in immunity

The Syk-coupled C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1 was the first non-Toll like receptor described that could mediate its own intracellular signalling. It was initially identified as important for the innate recognition of and response to fungal pathogens but later studies revealed that it is also involved in triggering adaptive immune responses. It subsequently emerged that Dectin-1 is one of a number of spleen tyrosine kinase-coupled C-type lectin receptors that have been implicated not just in fungal immunity, but also in viral, mycobacterial and helminth infections. Here, we consider the ability of these receptors to trigger different aspects of immunity and highlight their emerging roles in a number of infection scenarios.

The role of Syk/CARD9 coupled C-type lectins in antifungal immunity

Fungal infections are affecting an increasing number of people, and the failure of current therapies in treating systemic infection has resulted in an unacceptably high mortality rate. It is therefore of importance that we understand immune mechanisms operating during fungal infections, in order to facilitate development of adjunctive immunotherapies for the treatment of these diseases. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are critical for immune responses to fungi. Many of these receptors are coupled to Syk kinase, which allows these receptors to signal via CARD9 leading to NF-κB activation, which in turn contributes to the induction of both innate and adaptive immunity. Dectin-1, Dectin-2 and Mincle are all CLRs that share this common signalling mechanism and have been shown to play key roles in antifungal immunity. This review aims to update existing paradigms and summarise the most recent findings on these CLRs, their signal transduction mechanisms and the collaborations between these CLRs and other PRRs.

What's new in asthma pathophysiology and immunopathology?

Research on asthma pathophysiology over the past decade has expanded the complex repertoire involved in the pathophysiology of asthma to include inflammatory, immune and structural cells, as well as a wide range of mediators. Studies have identified a role for connective and other mesenchymal tissues involved in airway remodeling. Recent findings have implicated the innate immune response in asthma and have revealed interesting patterns of interaction between the innate and adaptive immune response and the associated complex chronic inflammatory reaction. New immune cell populations have also been added to this repertoire, including Tregs, natural killer T cells and Th17 cells. The role of the eosinophil, a prominent pathological feature in most asthma phenotypes, has also been expanding to include roles such as tissue modifiers and immune regulators via a number of fascinating and hitherto unexplored mechanistic pathways. In addition, new and significant roles have been proposed for airway smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells. Tissue remodeling is now considered an integral element of asthma pathophysiology. Finally, an intricate network of mediators, released from both immune and inflammatory cells, including thymus stromal lymphopoietin and matrix metalloproteinases, have added to the complex milieu of asthma immunity and inflammation. These findings have implications for therapy and the search for novel strategies towards better disease management. Sadly, and perhaps due to the complex nature of asthma, advances in therapeutic discoveries and developments have been limited. Thus, understanding the precise roles played by the numerous dramatis personae in this odyssey, both individually and collectively within the context of asthma pathophysiology, continues to pose new challenges. It is clear that the next stage in this saga is to embark on studies that transcend reductionist approaches to involve system analysis of the complex and multiple variables involved in asthma, including the need to narrow down the phenotypes of this condition based on careful analysis of the organs (lung and airways), cells, mediators and other factors involved in bronchial asthma.

Zymosan suppresses leukotriene C₄ synthase activity in differentiating monocytes: antagonism by aspirin and protein kinase inhibitors

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are potent proinflammatory mediators with particular relevance for asthma. However, control of cysLT biosynthesis in the time period after onset of acute inflammation has not been extensively studied. As a model for later phases of inflammation, we investigated regulation of leukotriene (LT) C(4) synthase (LTC(4)S) in differentiating monocytes, exposed for several days to fungal zymosan. Incubations with LTA(4) revealed 20-fold increased LTC(4)S activity during differentiation of monocytic Mono Mac 6 (MM6) cells, which was reduced by 80% in the presence of zymosan (25 μg/ml, 96 h). Zymosan (48 h) similarly attenuated LTC(4)S activity of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. Several findings indicate phosphoregulation of LTC(4)S: increased activity during MM6 cell differentiation correlated with reduced phosphorylation of 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), which could phosphorylate purified LTC(4)S; the p70S6K inhibitor rapamycin (20 nM) doubled LTC(4)S activity of undifferentiated MM6 cells, and protein kinase A and C inhibitors (H-89, CGP-53353, and staurosporine) reversed the zymosan-induced suppression of LTC(4)S activity. Finally, zymosan (48 h) up-regulated PGE(2) biosynthesis, and aspirin (10 μM) or prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) receptor antagonists counteracted the zymosan effect. Our results suggest a late PGE(2)-mediated phosphoregulation of LTC(4)S during microbial exposure, which may contribute to resolution of inflammation, with implications for aspirin hypersensitivity.

C-type lectins, fungi and Th17 responses

Th17 cells are a recently discovered subset of T helper cells characterised by the release of IL-17, and are thought to be important for mobilization of immune responses against microbial pathogens, but which also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The identification of C-type lectin receptors which are capable of regulating the balance between Th1 and Th17 responses has been of particular recent interest, which they control, in part, though the release of Th17 inducing cytokines. Many of these receptors recognise fungi, and other pathogens, and play key roles in driving the development of protective anti-microbial immunity. Here we will review the C-type lectins that have been linked to Th17 type responses and will briefly examine the role of Th17 responses in murine and human anti-fungal immunity.

Distinct characteristics of seasonal (Bet v 1) vs. perennial (Der p 1/Der p 2) allergen-specific CD4(+) T cell responses

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of allergen-specific CD4(+) T cell responses is needed to help improving immunological therapies. Objective To compare CD4(+) T cell responses against seasonal (Bet v 1) and perennial (Der p 1, Der p 2) allergens.

METHODS

Major histocompatibility complex class II peptide tetramers were engineered to monitor allergen-specific T cell responses. After in vitro expansion, tetramer(+) cells were tested for surface markers using cytofluorometry. Cytokine gene expression and production were assessed using quantitative PCR and cytokine surface capture assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Tetramer(+) cells were detected in 19 patients allergic to house dust mites (HDM), seven allergic to birch pollen, 13 allergic to both and nine non-allergics with either an HLA-DRB1(*) 0101, (*) 0301, (*) 1501 or an HLA-DPB1(*) 0401 background. High-avidity T cells are elicited against the immunodominant Bet v 1(141-155) epitope, whereas broader low-avidity T cell responses are induced against Der p 1(16-30) ,(110-124) ,(171-185) and Der p 2(26-40,107-121) epitopes. Responses against Bet v 1 involve effector (CDL62 low, CCR7 low) or central (CD62L(+) , CCR7(+) ) memory cells in allergic and non-allergic individuals, respectively, whereas central memory cells are mostly detected against mite allergens. In non-allergics, both mite and Bet v 1-specific T cells produce IFN-γ and IL-10. In contrast to Bet v 1-driven Th2 responses, mite allergens induce highly polymorphic responses in allergics, including Th1, Th2/Th17 or mixed Th1/Th2 profiles. Mite-specific T cell frequencies in the blood remain in the range of 1-6 × 10(-4) CD4(+) T cells throughout the year.

CONCLUSION

Different memory CD4(+) T cell responses are elicited in the context of chronic vs. seasonal stimulation with the allergen(s). The heterogeneity in the patterns of CD4(+) T cell responses observed in patients allergic to HDMs should be taken into account for specific immunotherapy.

Allergen-specific pattern recognition receptor pathways

Allergic diseases continue to plague modernized societies, underscoring the need to identify the molecular basis for the propensity of a small number of environmental proteins to provoke maladaptive, allergic responses. Recent data suggest that the ability of allergenic proteins to drive allergic responses in susceptible hosts is driven by their unique innate immune activating capabilities. Although the identification of allergen-specific pattern recognition receptors is in its infancy, studies to date have shown that allergens drive Th2-biased immune responses via directly engaging C-type lectin receptors (dectin-2, DC-SIGN, and mannose receptor) on dendritic cells and/or mimicking toll-like receptor 4 signaling complex molecules expressed on airway structural cells. Elucidation of the specific innate immune pathways activated by allergens holds great promise in defining new therapeutic targets for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Inhibitory C-type lectin receptors in myeloid cells

C-type lectin receptors encoded by the natural killer gene complex play critical roles in enabling NK cell discrimination between self and non-self. In recent years, additional genes at this locus have been identified with patterns of expression that extend to cells of the myeloid lineage where many of the encoded inhibitory receptors have equally important functions as regulators of immune homeostasis. In the present review we highlight the roles of some of these receptors including recent insights gained with regard to the identification of exogenous and endogenous ligands, mechanisms of cellular inhibition and activation, regulated expression within different cellular and immune contexts, as well as functions that include the regulation of bone homeostasis and involvement in autoimmunity.

Pathways regulating cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation and eicosanoid production in macrophages by Candida albicans

Resident tissue macrophages are activated by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans to release eicosanoids, which are important modulators of inflammation and immune responses. Our objective was to identify the macrophage receptors engaged by C. albicans that mediate activation of group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)α), a regulatory enzyme that releases arachidonic acid (AA) for production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A comparison of peritoneal macrophages from wild type and knock-out mice demonstrates that the β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 and MyD88 regulate early release of AA and eicosanoids in response to C. albicans. However, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression and later phase eicosanoid production are defective in MyD88(-/-) but not Dectin-1(-/-) macrophages. Furthermore, C. albicans-stimulated activation of MAPK and phosphorylation of cPLA(2)α on Ser-505 are regulated by MyD88 and not Dectin-1. In contrast, Dectin-1 mediates MAPK activation, cPLA(2)α phosphorylation, and COX2 expression in response to particulate β-glucan suggesting that other receptors engaged by C. albicans preferentially mediate these responses. Results also implicate the mannan-binding receptor Dectin-2 in regulating cPLA(2)α. C. albicans-stimulated MAPK activation and AA release are blocked by d-mannose and Dectin-2-specific antibody, and overexpression of Dectin-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages enhances C. albicans-stimulated MAPK activation, AA release, and COX2 expression. In addition, calcium mobilization is enhanced in RAW264.7 macrophages overexpressing Dectin-1 or -2. The results demonstrate that C. albicans engages both β-glucan and mannan-binding receptors on macrophages that act with MyD88 to regulate the activation of cPLA(2)α and eicosanoid production.

ALOX5AP and LTA4H polymorphisms modify augmentation of bronchodilator responsiveness by leukotriene modifiers in Latinos

BACKGROUND

Understanding the effects of interactions between multiple genes and asthma medications may aid in the understanding of the heterogeneous response to asthma therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To identify modulating effects of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) and leukotriene A(4) hydrolase (LTA4H) gene polymorphisms on the drug-drug interaction between leukotriene modifiers and albuterol in Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 293 Mexicans and 356 Puerto Ricans with asthma, ALOX5AP and LTA4H genes were sequenced, and interactions between gene polymorphisms and bronchodilator responsiveness to albuterol were compared between leukotriene modifier users and nonusers.

RESULTS

In heterozygotes and homozygotes for the minor allele at LTA4H single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2540491 and heterozygotes for the major allele at LTA4H SNP rs2540487, leukotriene modifier use was associated with a clinically significant increase in percent change in FEV(1) after albuterol administration of 7.10% (P = .002), 10.06% (P = .001), and 10.03% (P < .001), respectively. Presence of the major allele at ALOX5AP SNP rs10507391 or the minor allele at ALOX5AP SNP rs9551963 augmented this response. When stratified by ethnicity, these findings held true for Puerto Ricans but not Mexicans.

CONCLUSION

LTA4H and ALOX5AP gene polymorphisms modify the augmentation of bronchodilator responsiveness by leukotriene modifiers in Puerto Ricans but not Mexicans with asthma.

Immunogenetics of invasive aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis is one of the most important infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, with an incidence rate of 5-15% and an associated mortality of 30-60%. It remains unclear why certain patients develop invasive aspergillosis while others, undergoing identical transplant regimen and similar post transplant immunosuppression, do not. Over the last decade, pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) have emerged as critical components of the innate immune system. By detecting specific molecular patterns from invading microbes and initiating inflammatory and subsequent adaptive immune responses, pattern recognition receptors are strategically located at the molecular interface of hosts and pathogens. Polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors and downstream signaling molecules have been associated with increased or decreased susceptibility to infections, suggesting that their detection may have an increasing impact on the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in the coming years. Infectious risk stratification may be particularly relevant for patients with hematologic malignancies, because of the high prevalence and severity of infections in this population. This review summarizes the innate immune mechanisms involved in Aspergillus fumigatus detection and the role of host genetic polymorphisms in susceptibility to invasive aspergillosis.

Inflammatory dendritic cells--not basophils--are necessary and sufficient for induction of Th2 immunity to inhaled house dust mite allergen

It is unclear how Th2 immunity is induced in response to allergens like house dust mite (HDM). Here, we show that HDM inhalation leads to the TLR4/MyD88-dependent recruitment of IL-4 competent basophils and eosinophils, and of inflammatory DCs to the draining mediastinal nodes. Depletion of basophils only partially reduced Th2 immunity, and depletion of eosinophils had no effect on the Th2 response. Basophils did not take up inhaled antigen, present it to T cells, or express antigen presentation machinery, whereas a population of FceRI⁺ DCs readily did. Inflammatory DCs were necessary and sufficient for induction of Th2 immunity and features of asthma, whereas basophils were not required. We favor a model whereby DCs initiate and basophils amplify Th2 immunity to HDM allergen.

The role of dendritic and epithelial cells as master regulators of allergic airway inflammation

Lung dendritic cells bridge innate and adaptive immunity, integrating a variety of stimuli from allergens, microbial colonisation, environmental pollution, and innate immune cells into a signal for T lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system. Dendritic cells have a pivotal role in the activation of T helper (Th) 2 cells and allergic inflammation. Lung dendritic cells can also prevent harmful immune responses to innocuous inhaled antigens via induction of regulatory T cells or Th1 cells. In our Review, we discuss how understanding the biology of dendritic cells is crucial for understanding the interaction between allergens, the environment, and genetics, and focus on how dendritic cells conspire with airway epithelial cells and innate pro-Th2 cells to cause allergic sensitisation and asthma.

Group V secretory phospholipase A2 reveals its role in house dust mite-induced allergic pulmonary inflammation by regulation of dendritic cell function

We have previously shown that group V secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) regulates phagocytosis of zymosan and Candida albicans by a mechanism that depends on fusion of phagosomes with late endosomes in macrophages. In this study, we report that group V sPLA(2) (Pla2g5)-null mice exposed to an extract of house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae had markedly reduced pulmonary inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Pla2g5-null mice had also impaired Th2-type adaptive immune responses to D. farinae compared with WT mice. Pla2g5-null bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) activated by D. farinae had delayed intracellular processing of allergen and impaired allergen-dependent maturation, a pattern recapitulated by the native lung DCs of D. farinae-challenged mice. Adoptively transferred D. farinae-loaded Pla2g5-null BMDCs were less able than D. farinae-loaded WT BMDCs to induce pulmonary inflammation and Th2 polarization in WT mice. However, Pla2g5-null recipients transferred with WT or Pla2g5-null D. farinae-loaded BMDCs exhibited significantly reduced local inflammatory responses to D. farinae, even though the transfer of WT BMDCs still induced an intact Th2 cytokine response in regional lymph nodes. Thus, the expression of group V sPLA(2) in APCs regulates Ag processing and maturation of DCs and contributes to pulmonary inflammation and immune response against D. farinae. Furthermore, an additional yet to be identified resident cell type is essential for the development of pulmonary inflammation, likely a cell in which group V sPLA(2) is upregulated by D. farinae, and whose function is also regulated by group V sPLA(2).

Dangerous allergens: why some allergens are bad actors

Immune responses can be compartmentalized into innate versus adaptive components. This relatively recent dichotomy positioned the innate immune system at the interface between the host and the external environment and provided a new conceptual framework with which to view allergic diseases, including asthma. Airway epithelial cells and dendritic cells are key components of the innate immune system in the nose and lung and are now known to be intimately involved in allergen recognition and in modulating allergic immune responses. Here we review current thinking about how these two key cell types sense and respond to inhaled allergens, and emphasize how an understanding of "allergic innate immunity" can translate into new thinking about mechanisms of allergen sensitization and potentially lead to new therapeutic targets.

Eicosanoids in the innate immune response: TLR and non-TLR routes

The variable array of pattern receptor expression in different cells of the innate immune system explains the induction of distinct patterns of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Peptidoglycan and mannan were strong stimuli in neutrophils, whereas the fungal extract zymosan was the most potent stimulus in monocyte-derived dendritic cells since it induced the production of PGE₂, PGD₂, and several cytokines including a robust IL-10 response. Zymosan activated κB-binding activity, but inhibition of NF-κB was associated with enhanced IL-10 production. In contrast, treatments acting on CREB (CRE binding protein), including PGE₂, showed a direct correlation between CREB activation and IL-10 production. Therefore, in dendritic cells zymosan induces il10 transcription by a CRE-dependent mechanism that involves autocrine secretion of PGE₂, thus unraveling a functional cooperation between eicosanoid production and cytokine production.

Fungal attacks on mammalian hosts: pathogen elimination requires sensing and tasting

Recognition of Candida spp. by immune cells is mediated by dedicated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and lectins expressed on innate immune cells (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells (DCs)). PRRs recognize Candida-specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Binding of fungal PAMPs (e.g., cell wall sugar polymers and proteins, fungal nucleic acids) to PRRs triggers the activation of innate effector cells. Recent findings underscore the role of DCs in relaying PAMP information through their PRRs to stimulate the adaptive response. In agreement, deficiencies in certain PRRs strongly impair survival to Candida infections in mice and is associated with enhanced susceptibility to mucocutaneous fungal infections in humans. Understanding the complex signaling networks protecting the host against fungal pathogens remains a challenge in the field.

ITAM receptor signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome in antifungal immunity

INTRODUCTION

Infections with fungi can cause systemic life-threatening diseases in immunocompromised individuals like cancer or AIDS patients. Recent work has uncovered essential roles for C-type lectin pattern recognition receptors, spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and the cytosolic NLRP3 inflammasome in innate antifungal immunity. Upon fungal infection, SYK is activated by several ITAM-containing or ITAM-coupled C-type lectin receptors on myeloid cells leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1beta to initiate antifungal responses. Mature IL-1beta production requires in addition to the synthesis of pro-IL-1beta a cleavage of the precursor protein by the inflammatory Caspase-1 which is controlled within the NLRP3 inflammasome.

SCOPE

Here, we discuss how ITAM receptor signaling and NLRP3 cooperate for the induction of antifungal immunity.

SYK kinase signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome in antifungal immunity

Host protection against fungi depends on intact innate and adaptive immune responses. Consistently, fungal infections can cause systemic life-threatening diseases in immunocomprimised individuals, suffering e.g. from cancer or AIDS. Recent work has uncovered essential roles for the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and the cytosolic NLRP3 inflammasome for Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) production in innate antifungal immunity. Upon fungal infection, SYK is activated by several C-type lectin pattern recognition receptors on myeloid cells. Subsequently, SYK signals for the production of reactive oxygen species and for gene transcription to induce pro-inflammatory factors, including pro-IL-1beta to initiate antifungal responses. Mature IL-1beta production additionally requires cleavage of the pro-IL-1beta precursor protein by the inflammatory caspase-1 which is controlled within the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we discuss how SYK signaling cooperates with the NLRP3 inflammasome for IL-1beta production in antifungal immunity.

Guilt by intimate association: what makes an allergen an allergen?

Why specific, ubiquitous, otherwise innocuous environmental proteins tend to provoke maladaptive, T(H)2-polarized immune responses in susceptible hosts is a fundamental mechanistic question for those interested in the pathogenesis, therapy, and prevention of allergic disease. The current renaissance in the study of innate immunity has provided important insights into this question. The theme emerging from recent studies is that direct (dys)functional interactions with pathways of innate immune activation that evolved to signal the presence of microbial infection are central to the molecular basis for allergenicity. This article reviews these data.

New insights into innate immune mechanisms underlying allergenicity

Allergic diseases, which have reached epidemic proportions, are caused by inappropriate immune responses to a relatively small number of environmental proteins. The molecular basis for the propensity of specific proteins to promote maladaptive, allergic responses has been difficult to define. Recent data suggest that the ability of such proteins to promote allergic responses in susceptible hosts is a function of their ability to interact with diverse pathways of innate immune recognition and activation at mucosal surfaces. This review highlights recent insights into innate immune activation by allergens--through proteolytic activity, engagement of pattern recognition receptors, molecular mimicry of TLR signaling complex molecules, lipid-binding activity, and oxidant potential--and the role of such activation in inducing allergic disease. A greater understanding of the fundamental origins of allergenicity should help define new preventive and therapeutic targets in allergic disease.

Cutting edge: Mincle is essential for recognition and adjuvanticity of the mycobacterial cord factor and its synthetic analog trehalose-dibehenate

The mycobacterial cord factor trehalose-6,6-dimycolate (TDM) and its synthetic analog trehalose-6,6-dibehenate (TDB) are potent adjuvants for Th1/Th17 vaccination that activate Syk-Card9 signaling in APCs. In this study, we have further investigated the molecular mechanism of innate immune activation by TDM and TDB. The Syk-coupling adapter protein FcRgamma was essential for macrophage activation and Th17 adjuvanticity. The FcRgamma-associated C-type lectin receptor Mincle was expressed in macrophages and upregulated by TDM and TDB. Recombinant Mincle-Fc fusion protein specifically bound to the glycolipids. Genetic ablation of Mincle abolished TDM/TDB-induced macrophage activation and induction of T cell immune responses to a tuberculosis subunit vaccine. Macrophages lacking Mincle or FcRgamma were impaired in the inflammatory response to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin. These results establish that Mincle is a key receptor for the mycobacterial cord factor and controls the Th1/Th17 adjuvanticity of TDM and TDB.

Prostaglandin E(2) exerts homeostatic regulation of pulmonary vascular remodeling in allergic airway inflammation

Nonselective inhibition of PG synthesis augments inflammation in mouse models of airway disease, but the roles of individual PGs are not completely clarified. To investigate the role of PGE(2) in a mouse model of airway inflammation induced by a natural allergen, we used mice lacking the critical terminal synthetic enzyme, microsomal PGE(2) synthase (mPGES)-1. Mice lacking mPGES-1 (ptges(-/-) mice) and wild-type C57BL/6 controls were challenged intranasally with low doses of an extract derived from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). The levels of PGE(2) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of Der f-treated ptges(-/-) mice were approximately 80% lower than the levels in wild-type controls. Der f-induced bronchovascular eosinophilia was modestly enhanced in the ptges(-/-) mice. Both Der f-treated strains showed similar increases in serum IgE and IgG1, as well as comparable levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine production by Der f-stimulated spleen cells. These findings indicated that mPGES-1-derived PGE(2) was not required for allergen sensitization or development of effector T cell responses. Unexpectedly, the numbers of vascular smooth muscle cells and the thickness of intrapulmonary vessels were both markedly increased in the Der f-treated ptges(-/-) mice. These vascular changes were suppressed by the administration of the stable PGE(2) analog 16, 16-dimethyl PGE(2), or of selective agonists of the E-prostanoid (EP) 1, EP2, and EP3 receptors, respectively, for PGE(2). Thus, mPGES-1 and its product, PGE(2), protect the pulmonary vasculature from remodeling during allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation, and these effects may be mediated by more than one EP receptor.

Biology of lung dendritic cells at the origin of asthma

Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate and maintain adaptive T helper 2 (Th2) cell responses to inhaled allergens in asthma. Various functions like antigen uptake, migration to the draining LNs, and induction of tolerance and adaptive immunity are not equally shared by all subsets of DCs, adding considerable complexity to understanding the immunology of allergic sensitization. Whereas the epithelium was initially considered solely as a physical barrier, it is now seen as a central player in controlling the function of lung DCs through release of Th2 cell-promoting cytokines. Although DCs are sufficient and necessary for induction of Th2 cell responses to many antigens, some allergens might require antigen presentation by basophils. Clinically relevant allergens, as well as environmental and genetic risk factors for allergy and asthma, often interfere directly or indirectly with the innate immune functions of airway epithelial cells, basophils, and DCs. This review summarizes the recent progress on our understanding how DCs control Th2 cell immunity in the lung.

Innate cells and T helper 2 cell immunity in airway inflammation

Activated mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils infiltrate the airways of asthmatics as a result of an overexuberant T helper 2 (Th2) cell immune response that drives the production of IgE, primes mast cells and basophils, and promotes tissue eosinophilia and mast cell hyperplasia. Recent evidence demonstrates that these innate effectors can be activated outside of this classical Th2 cell paradigm and that they have additional roles in promoting the development of innate and adaptive pulmonary inflammation. There is also an appreciation for the role of airway epithelial cells in orchestrating allergic pulmonary inflammation. Emerging data from basic research highlight the involvement of many unique pathways in the inflammation triggered by complex native allergens and microbes at the airway mucosal surface. Here, we review the role of effector cells and airway epithelial cells in augmenting and, at times, bypassing traditional Th2 cell-mediated allergic inflammation.

Dectin-2 is a Syk-coupled pattern recognition receptor crucial for Th17 responses to fungal infection

Innate immune cells detect pathogens via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which signal for initiation of immune responses to infection. Studies with Dectin-1, a PRR for fungi, have defined a novel innate signaling pathway involving Syk kinase and the adaptor CARD9, which is critical for inducing Th17 responses to fungal infection. We show that another C-type lectin, Dectin-2, also signals via Syk and CARD9, and contributes to dendritic cell (DC) activation by fungal particles. Unlike Dectin-1, Dectin-2 couples to Syk indirectly, through association with the FcRγ chain. In a model of Candida albicans infection, blockade of Dectin-2 did not affect innate immune resistance but abrogated Candida-specific T cell production of IL-17 and, in combination with the absence of Dectin-1, decreased Th1 responses to the organism. Thus, Dectin-2 constitutes a major fungal PRR that can couple to the Syk–CARD9 innate signaling pathway to activate DCs and regulate adaptive immune responses to fungal infection.

The Dectin-2 family of C-type lectins in immunity and homeostasis

C-type lectins are a diverse family of proteins which recognize a wide range of ligands. This review focuses on the Dectin-2 family of C-type lectins that includes Dectin-2, BDCA-2, DCIR, DCAR, Clecsf8 and Mincle whose genes are clustered in the telomeric region of the NK-gene cluster on mouse chromosome 6 and human chromosome 12. These type II receptors are expressed on myeloid and non-myeloid cells and contain a single extracellular carbohydrate recognition domain and have diverse functions in both immunity and homeostasis. DCIR is the only member of the family which contains a cytoplasmic signalling motif and has been shown to act as an inhibitory receptor, while BDCA-2, Dectin-2, DCAR and Mincle all associate with FcRγ chain to induce cellular activation, including phagocytosis and cytokine production. Dectin-2 and Mincle have been shown to act as pattern recognition receptors for fungi, while DCIR acts as an attachment factor for HIV. In addition to pathogen recognition, DCIR has been shown to be pivotal in preventing autoimmune disease by controlling dendritic cell proliferation, whereas Mincle recognizes a nuclear protein released by necrotic cells. Here we review each of these receptors in detail describing their expression, ligand recognition, signalling and known physiological functions.

Signalling through C-type lectin receptors: shaping immune responses

Crosstalk between pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by dendritic cells orchestrates T helper (T_H) cell differentiation through the induction of specific cytokine expression profiles, tailored to invading pathogens. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) have an important role in orchestrating the induction of signalling pathways that regulate adaptive immune responses.

CLRs can control adaptive immunity at various levels by inducing signalling on their own, through crosstalk with other PRRs or by inducing carbohydrate-specific signalling pathways.

DC-specific ICAM3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) interacts with mannose-carrying pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV-1, measles virus and Candida albicans to activate the serine/threonine protein kinase RAF1. RAF1 signalling leads to the acetylation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 and affects cytokine expression, such as inducing the upregulation of interleukin-10 (IL-10).

DC-associated C-type lectin 1 (dectin 1) triggering by a broad range of fungal pathogens, such as C. albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Pneumocystis carinii, results in protective antifungal immunity through the crosstalk of two independent signalling pathways — one through spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and one through RAF1 — that are essential for the expression of T_H1 and T_H17 cell polarizing cytokines.

Crosstalk between the SYK and RAF1 pathways is both synergistic and antagonizing to fine-tune NF-κB activity: although Ser276 phosphorylation of p65 leads to enhanced transcriptional activity of p65 itself through acetylation, it also inhibits the transcriptional activity of the NF-κB subunit RELB by sequestering it in p65–RELB dimers, which are transcriptionally inactive.

The diversity in CLR-mediated signalling provides some major challenges for the researches to elucidate and manipulate the signalling properties of this exciting family of receptors. However, the recent advances strongly support the use of CLR targeting vaccination strategies using dendritic cells to induce or redirect adaptive immune responses as well as improve antigen delivery.

Here, Teunis Geijtenbeek and Sonja Gringhuis discuss the role of the signalling pathways induced by C-type lectin receptors in determining T helper cell lineage commitment and describe how these pathways can be exploited for the development of new vaccination strategies.

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) expressed by dendritic cells are crucial for tailoring immune responses to pathogens. Following pathogen binding, CLRs trigger distinct signalling pathways that induce the expression of specific cytokines which determine T cell polarization fates. Some CLRs can induce signalling pathways that directly activate nuclear factor-κB, whereas other CLRs affect signalling by Toll-like receptors. Dissecting these signalling pathways and their effects on host immune cells is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the induction of adaptive immune responses. In this Review we describe the role of CLR signalling in regulating adaptive immunity and immunopathogenesis and discuss how this knowledge can be harnessed for the development of innovative vaccination approaches.