Group 2 innate lymphoid cells participated in airway immune inflammation in mouse models of asthma

Abstract

Objective To explore the role and possible mechanisms of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in a mouse model of bronchial asthma (asthma). Methods We use wild type BALB/c mice to establish asthmatic model, by sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The control group was sensitized and challenged with PBS.The lungs, spleens and bronchoalvelar lavage fluid (BALF) from the two groups of mice in different sensitization and challenge periods were obtained.The percentages of ILC2s were detected by flow cytometry.The levels of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-related cytokines in lung tissues were investigated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and transcription factor GATA-binding factor 3 (GATA-3) mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results The percentages of ILC2s in the lung, BALF and spleen of the mice sensitized and challenged with OVA were significantly higher than those of in the PBS-treated group during the sensitization and challenge phases.The percentages of ILC2s in lung and BALF increased during the sensitization phase, while the percentages of ILC2s in spleen increased during the challenge phase.The levels of cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13 and transcription factor GATA3 mRNA in lung were significantly higher in the sensitization and challenge periods than in the PBS-treated group and the untreated group. Conclusions The levels of ILC2s increased in the initiation of asthma in mice sensitized and challenged with OVA, which may play a role in the asthma through the secretion of Th2 cytokines. Key words: Asthma; Innate lymphoid cell; Th immunity