Amelioration of Muc5b mucin hypersecretion is enhanced by IL-33 after 2-APB administration in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

Nasal mucus proteome and its involvement in allergic rhinitis

Introduction: Nasal mucus is the first line defense barrier against various pathogens including allergens. Proteins in nasal mucus maybe used as biomarkers for diagnosis or future therapeutic strategies. Proteomics opens the possibility to investigate whole human proteomes.

Areas Covered: We aimed to analyze the existing literature on nasal mucus and nasal secretions proteomic approaches especially in allergic rhinitis. A PubMed/Medline search was conducted entering the following keywords and combinations: “nasal mucus”, “nasal lavage fluid,” nasal secretions,” “nasal swabs,” “allergic rhinitis,” ”proteins,” and “proteomics.”

Expert opinion: The majority of studies focus on single proteins or protein groups mainly using ELISA techniques. Four studies met the criteria using mass spectrometry in the analysis of nasal mucus proteomes in rhinologic diseases. In these studies, 7, 35, 267, and 430 proteins were identified, respectively. These four studies are discussed in this review and put in relation to seven other proteomic studies that focus on nasal lavage fluid and nasal secretions obtained by swabs or filter paper. To put it in a nutshell, proteomics facilitates the investigation of the nasal secretome and its role in healthy and diseased state and as potential biomarkers for new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.

Efficacy of Budesonide Nasal Spray on Neutrophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Combined Clinical and Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Neutrophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) occur predominantly in Asian subjects. Appropriate treatments for this endotype have not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of budesonide nasal spray on neutrophilic CRSwNP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen neutrophilic CRSwNP patients were included, and then they received budesonide nasal spray treatment for 3 months. Biopsies of nasal polyps (NPs) were obtained from these subjects. Their clinical indexes were scored using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, and Endoscopic Appearances (EAs). Histological analyses were used to assess numbers of neutrophils, goblet cells, and submucosal gland cells in NPs. Percentages of CD8+ T cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), MUC5B, myeloperoxidase (MPO), interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-1β and their mRNAs were also examined. After that, we cultured NP tissues in vitro and evaluated the abovementioned inflammatory parameters before and after the administration of budesonide.

RESULTS

Budesonide nasal spray did not improve clinical evaluations including VAS, SNOT-22, and EA scores. Numbers of neutrophils and goblet cells, the score of submucosal gland cells, percentages of CD8+ T cells and Tregs, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MPO, IFN-γ, and IL-1β and their mRNAs were not decreased in NPs after the budesonide treatment. Furthermore, the administration of budesonide into NP cultures also did not reduce their levels in comparison with those before the treatment.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that budesonide treatment may not alleviate the inflammatory condition in neutrophilic CRSwNP.

Intervention of Orai1 Influences the Response of Nuocytes From Allergic Rhinitis Mice to IL-33

OBJECTIVE

Nuocytes are essential in innate type-2 immunity and contribute to the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to evaluate the intervention of Orai1 on the response of nuocytes from AR mice to interleukin (IL)-33.

METHODS

We established a murine model of AR. Nuocytes were obtained from the mouse nasal-associated lymphoid tissue. Then, we assessed expressions of Orai1, Ca²⁺ mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in nuocytes, and their cellular response to mouse recombinant (rm) IL-33. After that, we administered rmlentivirus vectors (lenti) that encoded small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against ORAI1 (lenti-ORAI1) into nuocytes cultures and again evaluated Orai1 and Ca²⁺ MFI in nuocytes and their response to rmIL-33. Finally, we adoptively transferred nuocytes alone or nuocytes transfected by lenti or lenti-ORAI1 to AR models to investigate their roles during allergic inflammation.

RESULTS

We showed that Orai1 and Ca²⁺ MFI were upregulated in AR mice nuocytes. These cells were induced to produce more IL-5 and IL-13 by rmIL-33. However, the intervention of Orai1 by lenti-ORAI1 in nuocytes decreased Orai1 and Ca²⁺ MFI and reduced productions of aforementioned cytokines even after the administration of rmIL-33. Numbers of sneezing, nasal rubbing, and counts of eosinophils were all enhanced after the adoptive transfer of nuocytes. Concentrations of IL-5, IL-13, and IL-33 in the nasal lavage fluid (NLF) of allergic mice were also increased. However, the adoptive transfer of nuocytes transfected by lenti-ORAI1 decreased aforementioned parameters.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that the intervention of Orai1 in nuocytes influences the response of nuocytes to rmIL-33.

Interleukin-33: Its Emerging Role in Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases, which include asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy (FA), allergic keratoconjunctivitis, seriously affect the quality of life of people all over the world. Recently, interleukin-33 (IL-33) has been found to play an important role in these refractory disorders, mainly by inducing T helper (Th) 2 immune responses. This article reviews the mobilization and biological function of IL-33 in allergic disorders, providing novel insights for addressing these hypersensitive conditions.

In vivo imaging of the Muc5b gel-forming mucin

Gel-forming mucins are macromolecules produced by goblet cells and responsible for the mucus gel formation. Changes in goblet cell density and in gel-forming mucin production have emerged as sensitive indicators for mucosal diseases. A Muc5b-GFP tagged reporter mouse was used to assess Muc5b production in mouse tissues by immunofluorescence microscopy and fluorescent activity using stereromicroscopy and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy. Muc5b production was followed longitudinally by recording the fluorescent activity in vagina and in embryonic lung explants under stimulation by interleukin 13. We show that the GFP is easily visualized in the mouse adult ear, nose, trachea, gallbladder, and cervix. Live Muc5b is also easily monitored in the nasal cavity, trachea and vagina where its production varies during the estrus cycle with a peak at the proestrus phase and in pregnant mice. Explant culture of reporter mouse embryonic whole lung shows that interleukin 13 stimulates Muc5b production. The transgenic Muc5b-GFP mouse is unique and suitable to study the mechanisms that regulate Muc5b production/secretion and mucous cell differentiation by live imaging and can be applied to test drug efficacy in mucosal disease models.

In Vitro Treatment with 2-APB Inhibits the Inflammation in Nasal Polyps

OBJECTIVE

Glucocorticoids are considered the main treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but their effect rate ranges from 60.9% to 80%. Novel therapeutic means should be studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Orai1 in nasal polyps (NPs) and the influence of intervention of Orai1 on NPs after in vitro treatment of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Nasal biopsy samples were obtained from normal subjects or subjects with CRSwNP. We studied the localization of Orai1 protein in NPs by using immunohistochemistry. Then these tissues in cultures were maintained in the absence or presence of dexamethasone (DEX) or 2-APB. Orai1 was examined by Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-5, eosinophil cation protein (ECP), leukotriene (LT)C4, interferon (IFN)-γ, and dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP)-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) as well as mucins (MUCs) including MUC5B and MUC7 in cultures were analyzed with ELISA and real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression of Orai1 was localized to cytoplasmic membrane of inflammatory cells and submucosal glandular cells and was upregulated in NPs compared with normal nasal mucosa. Orai1 was decreased in NPs after in vitro treatment of 2-APB but not after DEX intervention. The levels of inflammatory mediators and mucins were reduced more after 2-APB treatment when compared with those after DEX treatment.

CONCLUSION

Orai1 may play crucial roles in NP formation, and the intervention of Orai1 may inhibit NP development.

The Intervention of CRAC Channels Alleviates Inflammatory Responses in Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with Th2-dominant inflammation. However, effective treatments for CRSwNP have not yet been found. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Orai1 in nasal polyps (NP) and the influence on them of the intervention of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nasal samples were obtained from normal subjects or subjects with CRSwNP. We studied the distribution of Orai1 protein in NP and normal mucosa (normal group) using immunohistochemistry. These tissues in cultures were then maintained in the absence (control group) or presence of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) for 24 h. Orai1 was examined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The Ca2+ mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific IgE, leukotriene C4 and eosinophil cation protein in cultures, were analyzed with ELISA and real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression of Orai1 was localized to the cytoplasmic membrane of inflammatory cells, and upregulated in NP compared to that in the normal group. However, Orai1 protein was decreased in polyp tissues after the 2-APB treatment. The levels of Ca2+ MFI and above inflammatory mediators were also elevated in NP, and reduced after the 2-APB administration compared to those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Orai1 and CRAC channels may play a crucial role in NP formation and development, and the 2-APB intervention of Orai1 protein may alleviate inflammatory responses in NP.

Therapeutic potential of combined anti-IL-1β IgY and anti-TNF-α IgY in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin

We have previously demonstrated that anti-IL-1β immunoglobulin yolk(IgY) inhibits pathological responses in allergic asthma guinea pigs induced by ovalbumin(OVA). This study aims to determine whether the combined blockade of IL-1β and TNF-α can more effectively inhibit allergic inflammation in allergic rhinitis(AR) guinea pigs induced by OVA. Healthy guinea pigs treated with saline were used as the healthy control. The AR guinea pigs induced by OVA were randomly divided into (1) the AR model group containing negative control animals treated with intranasal saline; (2) the 0.1% non-specific IgY treatment group treated with non-specific IgY; (3) the 0.1% anti-TNF-α IgY treatment group treated with 0.1% anti-TNF-α IgY; (4) the 0.1% anti-IL-1β IgY treatment group treated with 0.1% anti-IL-1β IgY; (5) the 0.1% combined anti-IL-1β IgY and anti-TNF-α IgY treatment group treated with 0.1% combined anti-IL-1β IgY and anti-TNF-α IgY; and (6) the fluticasone propionate treatment group treated with fluticasone propionate. Cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that IL-1β, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, IL-18, IL-22, IL-33, TNF-α, TGF-β1 and OVA-specific IgE levels in the peripheral blood (PB) and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) significantly decreased at 2h, 4h or 8h in the 0.1% combined anti-IL-1β IgY and anti-TNF-α IgY treatment group compared to the AR model group and the 0.1% non-specific IgY treatment group (P<0.05). The data suggest that blockade of IL-1β and TNF-α by intranasal instillation of combined anti-IL-1β IgY and anti-TNF-α IgY could be a potential alternative strategy for preventing and treating allergic rhinitis.