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Steffan BN, Townsend EA, Denlinger LC, Johansson MW. Eosinophil-Epithelial Cell Interactions in Asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38885626 DOI: 10.1159/000539309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophils have numerous roles in type 2 inflammation depending on their activation states in the blood and airway or after encounter with inflammatory mediators. Airway epithelial cells have a sentinel role in the lung and, by instructing eosinophils, likely have a foundational role in asthma pathogenesis. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss various topics related to eosinophil-epithelial cell interactions in asthma, including the influence of eosinophils and eosinophil products, e.g., granule proteins, on epithelial cell function, expression, secretion, and plasticity; the effects of epithelial released factors, including oxylipins, cytokines, and other mediators on eosinophils, e.g., on their activation, expression, and survival; possible mechanisms of eosinophil-epithelial cell adhesion; and the role of intra-epithelial eosinophils in asthma. KEY MESSAGES We suggest that eosinophils and their products can have both injurious and beneficial effects on airway epithelial cells in asthma and that there are bidirectional interactions and signaling between eosinophils and airway epithelial cells in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne N Steffan
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Townsend
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Loren C Denlinger
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mats W Johansson
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Al-Shaikhly T, Murphy RC, Parker A, Lai Y, Altman MC, Larmore M, Altemeier WA, Frevert CW, Debley JS, Piliponsky AM, Ziegler SF, Peters MC, Hallstrand TS. Location of eosinophils in the airway wall is critical for specific features of airway hyperresponsiveness and T2 inflammation in asthma. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.01865-2021. [PMID: 35027395 PMCID: PMC9704864 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01865-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophils are implicated as effector cells in asthma but the functional implications of the precise location of eosinophils in the airway wall is poorly understood. We aimed to quantify eosinophils in the different compartments of the airway wall and associate these findings with clinical features of asthma and markers of airway inflammation.In this cross-sectional study, we utilised design-based stereology to accurately partition the numerical density of eosinophils in both the epithelial compartment and the subepithelial space (airway wall area below the basal lamina including the submucosa) in individuals with and without asthma and related these findings to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and features of airway inflammation.Intraepithelial eosinophils were linked to the presence of asthma and endogenous AHR, the type of AHR that is most specific for asthma. In contrast, both intraepithelial and subepithelial eosinophils were associated with type-2 (T2) inflammation, with the strongest association between IL5 expression and intraepithelial eosinophils. Eosinophil infiltration of the airway wall was linked to a specific mast cell phenotype that has been described in asthma. We found that IL-33 and IL-5 additively increased cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) production by eosinophils and that the CysLT LTC4 along with IL-33 increased IL13 expression in mast cells and altered their protease profile.We conclude that intraepithelial eosinophils are associated with endogenous AHR and T2 inflammation and may interact with intraepithelial mast cells via CysLTs to regulate airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Al-Shaikhly
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ryan C Murphy
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Parker
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ying Lai
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew C Altman
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Immunology Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Megan Larmore
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William A Altemeier
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Charles W Frevert
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jason S Debley
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adrian M Piliponsky
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Steven F Ziegler
- Immunology Program, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael C Peters
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Teal S Hallstrand
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA .,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Wiest M, Upchurch K, Yin W, Ellis J, Xue Y, Lanier B, Millard M, Joo H, Oh S. Clinical implications of CD4 + T cell subsets in adult atopic asthma patients. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 14:7. [PMID: 29507584 PMCID: PMC5833086 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-018-0231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cells play a central role in chronic inflammation in asthma. However, the roles of individual subsets of T cells in the pathology of asthma in patients remain to be better understood. METHODS We investigated the potential signatures of T cell subset phenotypes in asthma using fresh whole blood from adult atopic asthma patients (n = 43) and non-asthmatic control subjects (n = 22). We further assessed their potential clinical implications by correlating asthma severity. RESULTS We report four major features of CD4+ T cells in the blood of atopic asthma patients. First, patients had a profound increase of CCR7+ memory CD4+ T cells, but not CCR7- memory CD4+ T cells. Second, an increase in CCR4+ CD4+ T cells in patients was mainly attributed to the increase of CCR7+ memory CD4+ T cells. Accordingly, the frequency of CCR4+CCR7+ memory CD4+ T cells correlated with asthma severity. Current common asthma therapeutics (including corticosteroids) were not able to affect the frequency of CCR4+CCR7+ memory CD4+ T cell subsets. Third, patients had an increase of Tregs, as assessed by measuring CD25, Foxp3, IL-10 and CTLA-4 expression. However, asthma severity was inversely correlated only with the frequency of CTLA-4+ CD4+ T cells. Lastly, patients and control subjects have similar frequencies of CD4+ T cells that express CCR5, CCR6, CXCR3, CXCR5, CD11a, or α4 integrin. However, the frequency of α4+ CD4+ T cells in patients correlated with asthma severity. CONCLUSIONS CCR4+CCR7+ memory, but not CCR4+CCR7- memory, α4+, and CTLA4+ CD4+ T cells in patients show significant clinical implications in atopic asthma. Current common therapeutics cannot alter the frequency of such CD4+ T cell subsets in adult atopic asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wiest
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - Katherine Upchurch
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - Wenjie Yin
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - Jerome Ellis
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
| | - Yaming Xue
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
| | | | - Mark Millard
- Martha Foster Lung Care Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - HyeMee Joo
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
| | - SangKon Oh
- Baylor Institute for Immunology Research, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75204 USA
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX USA
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The effectiveness of fish oil supplementation in asthmatic rats is limited by an inefficient action on ASM function. Lipids 2013; 48:889-97. [PMID: 23743575 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-013-3804-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Episodes of acute exacerbation are the major clinical feature of asthma and therefore represent an important focus for developing novel therapies for this disease. There are many reports that the n-3 fatty acids found in fish oil exert anti-inflammatory effects, but there are few studies of the action of fish oil on airway smooth muscle (ASM) function. In the present investigation, we evaluated the effect of fish oil supplementation on smooth muscle force of contraction in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic Wistar rats, and its consequences on static lung compliance, mucus production, leukocyte chemotaxis and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Fish oil supplementation suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung in asthmatic animals (2.04 ± 0.19 × 10(6) cells vs. 3.33 ± 0.43 × 10(6) cells in the control asthmatic group; P < 0.05). Static lung compliance increased with fish oil supplementation in asthmatic rats (0.640 ± 0.053 mL/cm H2O vs. 0.399 ± 0.043 mL/cm H2O; P < 0.05). However, fish oil did not prevent asthma-associated lung eosinophilia and did not affect the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in lung tissue or the proportion of the airways obliterated with mucus. Fish oil had no effect on the force of contraction in asthmatic rats in response to acetylcholine (3.026 ± 0.274 mN vs. 2.813 ± 0.364 mN in the control asthmatic group). In conclusion, although fish oil exerts some benefits in this model of asthma, its effectiveness appears to be limited by an inefficient action on airway smooth muscle function.
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5
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Ghosh S, Hoselton SA, Dorsam GP, Schuh JM. Eosinophils in fungus-associated allergic pulmonary disease. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:8. [PMID: 23378838 PMCID: PMC3561640 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is frequently caused and/or exacerbated by sensitization to fungal allergens, which are ubiquitous in many indoor and outdoor environments. Severe asthma with fungal sensitization is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchial constriction in response to an inhaled allergen that is worsened by environmental exposure to airborne fungi and which leads to a disease course that is often very difficult to treat with standard asthma therapies. As a result of complex interactions among inflammatory cells, structural cells, and the intercellular matrix of the allergic lung, patients with sensitization to fungal allergens may experience a greater degree of airway wall remodeling and progressive, accumulated pulmonary dysfunction as part of the disease sequela. From their development in the bone marrow to their recruitment to the lung via chemokine and cytokine networks, eosinophils form an important component of the inflammatory milieu that is associated with this syndrome. Eosinophils are recognized as complex multi-factorial leukocytes with diverse functions in the context of allergic fungal asthma. In this review, we will consider recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are associated with eosinophil development and migration to the allergic lung in response to fungal inhalation, along with the eosinophil’s function in the immune response to and the immunopathology attributed to fungus-associated allergic pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND, USA
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Kikkawa Y, Sugiyama K, Obara K, Hirata H, Fukushima Y, Toda M, Fukuda T. Interferon-alpha inhibits airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness in an animal asthma model [corrected]. Asia Pac Allergy 2012; 2:256-63. [PMID: 23130331 PMCID: PMC3486970 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.4.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving high numbers of inflammatory cells and mediators which have multiple inflammatory effects on the airway. Interferon (IFN)-alpha, which is used widely for treating chronic hepatitis C, is reported to have an effect on patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome. Therefore, it may also be suitable for patients with severe asthma. Objective We studied the effect of IFN-alpha on airway eosinophilia in a guinea pig model of asthma and the expression of adhesion molecules on human eosinophils and vascular endothelial cells. Methods After antigen challenge, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway eosinophilia were measured in a guinea pig asthma model with or without airway IFN-alpha administration. Expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophils and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also evaluated with or without IFN-alpha. Results IFN-alpha inhibited eosinophil recruitment into the tracheal wall and improved airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized guinea pigs. IFN-alpha also significantly suppressed IL-1 beta-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on HUVECs. However, IFN-alpha did not suppress platelet-activating factor-induced macrophage antigen-1 expression on human eosinophils. IFN-alpha significantly inhibited eosinophil adhesion to IL-1 beta-induced HUVECs and migration through IL-1 beta induced HUVECs. Conclusion The findings suggest that the modulation of ICAM-1 in lung with pre-existing inflammation following treatment with IFN-alpha may be a novel and selective treatment for control of chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness associated with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Kikkawa
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kita-kobayashi, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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Koh DJ, Ahn HS, Chung HS, Lee H, Kim Y, Lee JY, Kim DG, Hong M, Shin M, Bae H. Inhibitory effects of casticin on migration of eosinophil and expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules in A549 lung epithelial cells via NF-κB inactivation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 136:399-405. [PMID: 21251967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The fruits of Vitex rotundifolia L. have long been used for the treatment of inflammation of the respiratory tract in East Asia. AIM To determine if casticin, one of the constituents of Vitex rotundifolia L., has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of casticin was studied in A549 human type II-like epithelial lung cells using an eotaxin inhibition assay. Additionally, its effects on eotaxin, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression were investigated by real time-polymerase chain reaction (real time-PCR). The inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity in the presence of casticin was determined by analyzing confocal microscopy images of fluorescence immunocytochemical analysis while the suppression of inhibitory κB (IκB)-α phosphorylation was studied using Western blot analysis. Finally, the inhibitory effect of casticin on eosinophil migration toward prestimulated A549 cell media was measured using the human eosinophilic leukemia cell line. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Casticin significantly suppressed eotaxin production in cytokine activated A549 lung epithelial cells. Casticin also suppressed the mRNA expression levels of eotaxin, RANTES, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, which subsequently contributed to the inhibition of eosinophil migration. Furthermore, casticin inhibited IκB-α phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 in A549 cells. CONCLUSION Casiticin inhibited the eosinophil migration and activity of chemokines and adhesion molecules involved in the inflammatory process of asthma by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that casticin has the potential for use in the treatment of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duck-jae Koh
- Department of Physiology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Cruse G, Fernandes VE, de Salort J, Pankhania D, Marinas MS, Brewin H, Andrew PW, Bradding P, Kadioglu A. Human lung mast cells mediate pneumococcal cell death in response to activation by pneumolysin. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:7108-15. [PMID: 20483738 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells are emerging as contributors to innate immunity. Mouse mast cells have a pivotal role in protection against bacterial infection, and human cord blood-derived mast cells reduce bacterial viability in culture. The objectives of this study were to determine whether human lung mast cells (HLMCs) might be protective against pneumococcal lung infection through direct antimicrobial activity. Tissue-derived HLMCs and the human mast cell lines HMC-1 and LAD2 were cocultured with wild-type and mutant pneumococci, and viability and functional assays were performed. Mast cells were also stimulated with purified pneumolysin. HLMCs killed wild-type serotype-2 (D39) pneumococci in coculture but had no effect on an isogenic pneumolysin-deficient (PLN-A) pneumococcus. D39 wild-type, but not PLN-A pneumococci, induced the release of leukotriene C4 from human mast cells in a dose-dependent manner, which was not accompanied by histamine release. Stimulation of mast cells with sublytic concentrations of purified pneumolysin replicated this effect. Furthermore, pneumolysin induced the release of the cathelicidin LL-37 from HLMCs, purified LL-37 reduced pneumococcal viability, and neutralizing Ab to LL-37 attenuated mast cell-dependent pneumococcal killing. In addition, at high concentrations, all pneumococcal strains tested reduced HLMC viability through a combination of pneumolysin and H2O2-dependent mechanisms. HLMCs exhibit direct antimicrobial activity to pneumococci through their activation by pneumolysin. This antimicrobial activity is mediated, in part, by the release of LL-37 from HLMCs. This suggests that mast cells provide an early warning system and potentially limit pneumococcal dissemination early in the course of invasive pulmonary pneumococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Cruse
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester Medical School, Leicester, United Kingdom.
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9
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Xue A, Wang J, Sieck GC, Wylam ME. Distribution of major basic protein on human airway following in vitro eosinophil incubation. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2010:824362. [PMID: 20339471 PMCID: PMC2843899 DOI: 10.1155/2010/824362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 11/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Major basic protein (MBP) released from activated eosinophils may influence airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) by either direct effects on airway myocytes or by an indirect effect. In this study, human bronchi, freshly isolated human eosinophils, or MBP purified from human eosinophil granules were incubated for studying eosinophil infiltration and MBP localization. Eosinophils immediately adhered to intact human airway as well as to cultured human airway myocytes and epithelium. Following incubation 18-24 h, eosinophils migrated into the airway media, including the smooth muscle layer, but had no specific recruitment to airway neurons. Eosinophils released significant amounts of MBP within the airway media, including areas comprising the smooth muscle layer. Most deposits of MBP were focally discrete and restricted by immunologic detection to a maximum volume of approximately 300 microm(3) about the eosinophil. Native MBP applied exogenously was immediately deposited on the surface of the airway, but required at least 1 h to become detected within the media of the airway wall. Tissue MBP infiltration and deposition increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings suggest that eosinophil-derived cationic proteins may alter airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in vivo by an effect that is not limited to the bronchial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Xue
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - John Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Gary C. Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mark E. Wylam
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Lee H, Han AR, Kim Y, Choi SH, Ko E, Lee NY, Jeong JH, Kim SH, Bae H. A new compound, 1H,8H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1,8-dione, suppresses airway epithelial cell inflammatory responses in a murine model of asthma. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 22:591-603. [PMID: 19822076 DOI: 10.1177/039463200902200305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies have established eosinophilia as a sign of allergic disorders. Activation of eosinophils in the airways is believed to cause epithelial tissue injury, contraction of airway smooth muscle and increased bronchial responsiveness. As part of the search for new antiasthmatic agents produced by medicinal plants, the effects of 270 standardized medicinal plant extracts on cytokine-activated A549 human lung epithelial cells were evaluated. After several rounds of activity-guided screening, the new natural compound, 1H,8H-Pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1,8-dione (PPY), was isolated from Vitex rotundifolia L. To elucidate the mechanism by which the anti-asthmatic responses of PPY occurred in vitro, lung epithelial cells (A549 cell) were stimulated with TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-1beta to induce the expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules involved in eosinophil chemotaxis. PPY treatments reduced the expression of eotaxin, IL-8, IL-16 and VCAM-1 mRNA significantly. Additionally, PPY reduced eotaxin secretion in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited eosinophil migration toward A549 medium. In addition, PPY treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and ERK1/2, suggesting that it can inhibit the MAPK/NF-KB pathway. To clarify the anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic effects of PPY in vivo, we examined the influence of PPY on the development of pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation in a murine model of asthma. To accomplish this, mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and then examined for the following typical asthmatic reactions: an increase in the number of eosinophils in BALF; the presence of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in the BALF; the presence of allergen-specific IgE in the serum; and a marked influx of inflammatory cells into the lung. Taken together, our results revealed that PPY exerts profound inhibitory effects on the accumulation of eosinophils into the airways while reducing the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF. Therefore, these results suggest that PPY may be useful as a new therapeutic drug for the treatment of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Costa GG, Silva RM, Franco-Penteado CF, Antunes E, Ferreira HHA. Interactions between eotaxin and interleukin-5 in the chemotaxis of primed and non-primed human eosinophils. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 566:200-5. [PMID: 17368616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2006] [Revised: 09/08/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to understand the relationship between interleukin-5 and eotaxin in modulating the chemotaxis of eosinophils obtained from healthy subjects and subjects with allergic rhinitis. Chemotaxis of eosinophils from patients with allergic rhinitis toward interleukin-5 (0.25 ng/ml) was 78% higher than that of healthy subjects. Incubation of eosinophils with eotaxin (100 ng/ml) did not change the interleukin-5-induced chemotaxis of eosinophils from healthy subjects, but it reversed the enhanced chemotaxis seen in eosinophils from allergic patients. Chemotaxis of eosinophils from patients with allergic rhinitis toward eotaxin (100 ng/ml) was 65% higher than that of eosinophils from healthy subjects. Incubation of eosinophils with interleukin-5 (100 ng/ml) significantly increased the eotaxin-induced chemotaxis in both subject groups, but such increases were markedly higher for cells from patients with allergic rhinitis. Our finding that eotaxin inhibits the enhanced eosinophil chemotaxis toward interleukin-5 in primed cells suggests that this chemokine may downregulate eosinophil accumulation in the nasal mucosa of allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine G Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNICAMP, Campinas (SP), Brazil
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12
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ten Hove W, Houben LA, Raaijmakers JAM, Koenderman L, Bracke M. Rapid selective priming of FcalphaR on eosinophils by corticosteroids. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:6108-14. [PMID: 17056537 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.9.6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Preactivation or priming of eosinophils by (proinflammatory) cytokines is important in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Several priming-dependent eosinophil responses, such as migration and adhesion, are reduced by treatment with corticosteroids. Many inhibitory effects of corticosteroids are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor via genomic mechanisms, which are evident only after prolonged interaction (>30 min). However, also faster actions of corticosteroids have been identified, which occur in a rapid, nongenomic manner. In this study, fast effects of corticosteroids were investigated on the function of eosinophil opsonin receptors. Short term corticosteroid treatment of eosinophils for maximal 30 min with dexamethasone (Dex) did not influence eosinophil cell surface CD11b/CD18 expression, adhesion, and/or chemokinesis. In marked contrast, incubation with Dex resulted in a rapid increase in binding of IgA-coated beads to human eosinophils, showing that Dex can up-regulate the activation of FcalphaR (CD89). This priming response by Dex was dose dependent and optimal between 10(-8) and 10(-6) M and was mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor as its selective antagonist RU38486 (10(-6) M) blocked the priming effect. In contrast to FcalphaR, eosinophil FcgammaRII (CD32) was not affected by Dex. Further characterization of the Dex-induced inside-out regulation of FcalphaR revealed p38 MAPK as the central mediator. Dex dose dependently enhanced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activation in situ as measured by phosphorylation of its downstream target mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2. The dose responses of the Dex-induced activation of these kinases were similar as seen for the priming of FcalphaR. This work demonstrates that corticosteroids selectively activate the FcalphaR on eosinophils by activation of p38 MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem ten Hove
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Ip WK, Wong CK, Wang CB, Tian YP, Lam CWK. Interleukin-3, -5, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor induce adhesion and chemotaxis of human eosinophils via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappaB. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2005; 27:371-93. [PMID: 16237950 DOI: 10.1080/08923970500240925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-3, IL-5, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) play a fundamental role in eosinophil functions in allergic asthma. The intracellular signal transduction mechanisms of these cytokines regulating the activation of eosinophils have been potential therapeutic targets. We investigated the roles of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) in IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF-induced adhesion, morphological changes, and subsequence transmigration of human eosinophils. IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF could augment the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and nucleus translocation of NF-kappaB in eosinophils. cDNA expression arrays demonstrated that the gene expression levels of several adhesion molecules including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), alpha6, beta2 integrin (CD18), and CD44 were upregulated by these cytokines. Results from functional assays showed that adhesion of eosinophils onto airway epithelial cells was enhanced after IL-3 and IL-5 but not GM-CSF stimulation. These cytokines could markedly induce shape change and augment the transmigration of eosinophils. Moreover, administration of either p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580, or proteasome inhibitor, N-cbz-Leu-Leu-leucinal (MG-132), could inhibit the cytokine-induced adhesion, shape change, and transmigration of eosinophils. Together, our findings suggest that IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF regulated the adhesion and chemotaxis of human eosinophils through shared signaling pathways involving both p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB. Our results therefore shed light on the further development of more effective agents for allergic and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Ki Ip
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Lampinen M, Carlson M, Håkansson LD, Venge P. Cytokine-regulated accumulation of eosinophils in inflammatory disease. Allergy 2004; 59:793-805. [PMID: 15230810 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of cytokines in the accumulation of eosinophil granulocytes in inflamed tissue has been studied extensively during recent years, and these molecules have been found to participate throughout the whole process of eosinophil recruitment. Haematopoietic cytokines such as IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of eosinophils in the bone marrow, and the release of mature eosinophils from the bone marrow into the blood is probably promoted by IL-5. Priming of eosinophils in the blood following, for example, allergen challenge is performed mainly by IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF. An important step in the extravasation of eosinophils is their adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Adhesion molecules are upregulated by, e.g. IL-1, IL-4, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma and the same cytokines may also increase the affinity of adhesion molecules both on eosinophils and endothelial cells. Finally, a number of cytokines have been shown to act as eosinophil chemotactic factors, attracting the cells to the inflammatory focus in the tissue. Some of the most important eosinophil chemoattractant cytokines are IL-5, IL-8, RANTES, eotaxin, eotaxin-2, eotaxin-3, MCP-3, MCP-4 and TNF-alpha. Th2 cells, mast cells and epithelial cells are important sources of proinflammatory cytokines, but in recent years, the eosinophils have also been recognized as cytokine-producing and thereby immunoregulatory cells. The aim of this paper is to review the role of cytokines in the process of eosinophil recruitment in asthma, allergy and ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lampinen
- Asthma Research Centre, Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, S-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Cook EB, Stahl JL, Sedgwick JB, Barney NP, Graziano FM. The promotion of eosinophil degranulation and adhesion to conjunctival epithelial cells by IgE-activated conjunctival mast cells. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2004; 92:65-72. [PMID: 14756467 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-mediated mast cell activation is a key feature of ocular allergic diseases. Evidence of eosinophil-derived mediators in tears and conjunctival biopsy specimens has been associated with chronic ocular allergic inflammation. OBJECTIVE To examine the role of conjunctival mast cell mediators in eosinophil adhesion to conjunctival epithelial cells and eosinophil degranulation. METHODS Conjunctival cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion of cadaveric conjunctival tissues. Eosinophils were obtained from peripheral blood samples using negative magnetic bead selection. The effect of IgE-activated mast cell supernates on eosinophil degranulation and adherence to epithelial cells was compared with supernates obtained from mast cells pretreated with a degranulation inhibitor (olopatadine). Eosinophil adhesion was measured by eosinophil peroxidase assay, and eosinophil degranulation was measured by eosinophil-derived neurotoxin radioimmunoassay. RESULTS IgE-activated conjunctival mast cell supernates stimulated adhesion of eosinophils to epithelial cells (20.4% +/- 6.3% vs 3.1% +/- 1.0%; P = .048). Degranulation was not required for this process (no effect of olopatadine). IgE-activated mast cell supernates stimulated eosinophil-derived neurotoxin release (108.89 +/- 8.27 ng/10(6) cells vs 79.45 +/- 5.21 ng/10(6) cells for controls, P = .02), which was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of mast cells with a degranulation inhibitor (79.22 +/- 4.33 ng/10(6) cells vs 61.09 +/- 5.39 ng/10(6) cells for olopatadine pretreated and untreated, respectively, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Mediators released from conjunctival mast cells promote eosinophil adhesion to conjunctival epithelial cells and eosinophil degranulation. Degranulation inhibition studies suggest that different mast cell mediators are involved in regulation of these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen B Cook
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Kim JC, Whitaker-Menezes D, Deguchi M, Adair BS, Korngold R, Murphy GF. Novel expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD106) by squamous epithelium in experimental acute graft-versus-host disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2002; 161:763-70. [PMID: 12213703 PMCID: PMC1867240 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1; CD106), the receptor for VLA-4, is an important mediator of adhesive and co-stimulatory interactions that govern cutaneous immune responses. Initial studies designed to elucidate temporal aspects of endothelial adhesion molecule induction in murine acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) revealed unexpected and novel VCAM-1 expression by cutaneous and mucosal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical techniques confirmed VCAM-1 staining as early as 7 days after transplantation in a distinctive subpopulation of squamous epithelial cells that normally occupy focal domains within the epidermal basal cell layer, the follicular infundibulum, and the dorsal lingual epithelium. Specifically, VCAM-1 expression was intimately associated with rete ridge-like prominences in footpad epidermis and in dorsal lingual epithelium. VCAM-1, as evaluated by serial section-labeling techniques, was preferentially expressed at sites of early epithelial infiltration by CD4(+) T cells. Western blot analysis confirmed expression of the 110-kd isoform of VCAM-1 in epithelium isolated from aGVHD animals, and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated VCAM-1 reactivity restricted exclusively to epithelial cell plasma membranes. It is concluded that VCAM-1 is selectively expressed by discrete squamous epithelial subpopulations in murine aGVHD. As such, VCAM-1 may play a previously unrecognized role in mediating interactions between donor effector T lymphocytes and host epithelial cell targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C Kim
- Department of Pathology, The Jefferson Center for Dermatopathology Laboratories for Cutaneous Research, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-6799, USA
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del Pozo V, Rojo M, Rubio ML, Cortegano I, Cárdaba B, Gallardo S, Ortega M, Civantos E, López E, Martín-Mosquero C, Peces-Barba G, Palomino P, González-Mangado N, Lahoz C. Gene therapy with galectin-3 inhibits bronchial obstruction and inflammation in antigen-challenged rats through interleukin-5 gene downregulation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 166:732-7. [PMID: 12204873 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.2111031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of asthma involves an intricate network of molecular and cellular interactions. Elevated Th2 cytokines (interleukin [IL]-5 and IL-4) associated with eosinophilic inflammation characterize allergic diseases and provide potential targets for immunomodulation. Recent evidence has demonstrated that galectin-3 induces selective downregulation of IL-5 gene expression in several cell types (eosinophils, T cell lines, and antigen specific T cells). Accordingly, we sought to elucidate whether in vivo intratracheal instillation of plasmid DNA encoding galectin-3 would inhibit an experimental asthmatic reaction in a rat model with increased eosinophils and T cells in bronchoalveolar fluid and impaired pulmonary function. We found that instillation of galectin-3 gene in these rats led to normalization of the eosinophil and T cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and that there was a strong concomitant inhibition of IL-5 mRNA in the lungs. As a consequence, galectin-3-treated rats showed recovery of pulmonary functional parameters, such as pulmonary pressure and expiratory flows. These data emphasize the potential utility of galectin-3 as a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of allergic asthma.
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Fujiu T, Kato M, Kimura H, Tachibana A, Suzuki M, Nako Y, Morikawa A. Cellular adhesion is required for effector functions of human eosinophils via G-protein coupled receptors. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002; 89:90-8. [PMID: 12141728 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61917-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Chemoattractants, including platelet-activating factor (PAF) and complement component 5a (C5a), induce eosinophil infiltration and promote eosinophil effector functions. OBJECTIVE To compare eosinophil degranulation and superoxide anion (O2-) generation induced by various chemoattractants, and to elucidate the role of cellular adhesion on these effector functions. METHODS Human eosinophils were stimulated with PAF, C5a, eotaxin, or leukotriene B4 (LTB4). O2- generation was assayed by a chemiluminescence method using a Cypridina luciferin analog as the amplifier. Degranulation and adhesion were measured by quantitating eosinophil protein X by radioimmunoassay. Expression of CD11b on eosinophils was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS PAF and C5a induced significant degranulation and O2- generation from eosinophils. In contrast, the potency of eotaxin or LTB4 for these functions was much less. PAF and C5a also significantly enhanced eosinophil adhesion, whereas eotaxin and LTB4 did not. CD11b expression on eosinophils was enhanced by all four stimulants, and the order of potency to induce CD11b expression was C5a > PAF > eotaxin > LTB4. CONCLUSIONS The potency of PAF and C5a for inducing effector function in eosinophils was greater than that of eotaxin or LTB4. The magnitude of the effector function was consistent with the degree of eosinophil adherence induced by each stimulant. These results suggest that effector functions of eosinophils which are mediated through G-protein coupled receptors are dependent on cellular adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Fujiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan
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Sexton DW, Blaylock MG, Walsh GM. Human alveolar epithelial cells engulf apoptotic eosinophils by means of integrin- and phosphatidylserine receptor-dependent mechanisms: a process upregulated by dexamethasone. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001; 108:962-9. [PMID: 11742274 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2001.119414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated receptor-mediated apoptotic-eosinophil engulfment by human small airway epithelial cells, which may represent a potentially important mechanism in the resolution of allergic and asthmatic inflammation. OBJECTIVE A549 cells were selected as being representative of alveolar epithelial cells, and their ability to ingest human apoptotic eosinophils was examined in terms of the effects of dexamethasone treatment and the receptor-mediated recognition mechanisms important in this process. METHODS A549 epithelial-cell expression of alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5, CD36, and the phosphatidylserine receptor was established by using immunostaining and flow cytometry, and inhibition assays were examined by using the role of these receptors in apoptotic-eosinophil recognition by resting and dexamethasone-treated A549 epithelial cells. Electron microscopy confirmed engulfment of apoptotic eosinophils, and receptor clustering around apoptotic eosinophils was examined by using immunofluorescent labeling. RESULTS A549 epithelial cells recognized and engulfed apoptotic eosinophils but not freshly isolated cells. Dexamethasone enhanced the number of A549 cells ingesting apoptotic eosinophils and dose dependently increased their capacity for ingestion. The tetrapeptide RGDS significantly inhibited apoptotic-eosinophil uptake by A549 cells, indicating a role for integrins in the recognition process. A549 cells expressed alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5, beta5, CD36, and the phosphatidylserine receptor, and expression of these receptors was not significantly increased after dexamethasone treatment. Engulfment of apoptotic eosinophils by A549 cells involved alpha(v)beta3-, CD36-, alpha(v)beta5-, and phosphatidylserine receptor-mediated recognition mechanisms and was associated with the formation of integrin focal adhesion complexes around apoptotic eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS These data further suggest a nonpassive role for airway epithelium in the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Sexton
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Eosinophilic airway inflammation is the main histologic correlate of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and tissue injury in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. There is strong evidence for a central role of CD4+ T-cells secreting pro-allergic Th2-cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in the induction of airway eosinophilia and AHR. IL-5 appears to be one of the main pro-inflammatory mediators among a growing number of cytokines and chemokines that induce, regulate and sustain eosinophilic airway inflammation. Animal studies provide confirmatory evidence for the important role of IL-5 in the induction and maintenance of eosinophilic airway infiltration leading to altered airway function. Interfering with the action of IL-5 represents one of the new immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Compared to established immunosuppressive agents like steroids, a major advantage of this strategy is the specificity of reducing eosinophilic inflammation, thus possibly acting nearly without side effects. There are several possible ways to inhibit the effects of IL-5 including alteration of the signalling pathway in the IL-5 producing cell by inhibition or modification of transcription factors or the use of antisense oligonucleotides and blocking of the IL-5 protein itself by monoclonal antibodies, soluble IL-5 receptor or antagonists of the IL-5 receptor expressed on the surface of eosinophils. Although preliminary data from the first clinical trials gave rise to skepticism about the efficacy of anti-IL-5 treatment regarding the improvement of lung function of asthmatic patients, further studies with a better defined profile of the target population may provide encouraging results, allowing the introduction of this truly new therapeutic concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Blümchen
- Department of Paediatrics, Pulmonology and Immunology, Charite'-Campus-Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Del Giacco
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
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