IL-33 Promotes Food Anaphylaxis in Epicutaneously-Sensitized Mice By Targeting Mast Cells

Abstract

Cutaneous exposure to food allergens predisposes to food allergy, which is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis (AD). The levels of the epithelial cytokine IL-33 are increased in skin lesions and serum of AD patients. Mast cells (MC) play a critical role in food anaphylaxis and express the IL-33 receptor ST2. The role of IL-33 in MC-dependent food anaphylaxis is unknown.We aim to determine the role and mechanism of action of IL-33 in food anaphylaxis in a model of IgE-dependent food anaphylaxis elicited by oral challenge of epicutaneously (EC)-sensitized mice. WT, ST2-deficient and MC-deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice were EC sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) then challenged orally with OVA. Body temperature was measured by telemetry, Il33 mRNA by qPCR, and IL-33, OVA-specific IgE and mouse mast cell protease 1 (mMCP-1) by ELISA. Bone marrow-derived MCs (BMMCs) degranulation was assessed by flow cytometry. Il33 mRNA expression was upregulated in tape-stripped mouse skin and scratched human skin, and tape stripping caused local and systemic IL-33 release in mice. ST2 deficiency, as well as ST2 blockade prior to oral challenge, significantly reduced the severity of oral anaphylaxis without affecting antigen-specific IgE or Th2 responses. Oral anaphylaxis was abrogated in KitW-sh/W-sh mice, and restored by reconstitution with WT, but not ST2-deficient, BMMCs. IL-33 significantly enhanced IgE-mediated degranulation of BMMCs in vitro. IL-33 is released following mechanical skin injury, enhances IgE-mediated MC degranulation, and promotes oral anaphylaxis following EC sensitization by targeting MCs. IL-33 neutralization may be useful in treating food anaphylaxis in AD patients.