Release Of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Research Articles

TRPV4-β-catenin axis is a novel therapeutic target for dry skin-induced chronic itch

Dry skin induced chronic pruritus is an increasingly common and debilitating problem, especially in the elderly. Although keratinocytes play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity and keratinocyte proliferation is a key feature of dry skin induced chronic pruritus, the exact contribution of keratinocytes to the pathogenesis of dry skin induced chronic pruritus is poorly understood. In this study, we generated the acetone-ether-water induced dry skin model in mice and found that epidermal hyperplasia induced by this model is partly dependent on the β-catenin signaling pathway. XAV939, an antagonist of β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibited epidermal hyperplasia in dry skin model mice. Importantly, dry skin induced chronic pruritus also dramatically reduced in XAV939 treated mice. Moreover, acetone-ether-water treatment-induced epidermal hyperplasia and chronic itch were decreased in Trpv4−/− mice. In vitro, XAV939 inhibited hypo-osmotic stress induced proliferation of HaCaT cells, and hypo-osmotic stress induced proliferation of in HaCaT cells and primary cultured keratinocytes were also significantly reduced by blocking TRPV4 function. Finally, thymic stromal lymphopoietin release was examined both in vivo and in vitro, which was significantly inhibited by XAV939 treatment and Trpv4 deficiency, and anti-TSLP antibody treatment significantly decreased AEW-induced scratching behavior. Overall, our study revealed a unique ability of TRPV4 expressing keratinocytes in the skin, which critically mediated dry skin induced epidermal hyperplasia and chronic pruritus, thus provided novel insights into the development of therapies for chronic pruritus in the elderly.

Multifactorial Causes and Consequences of TLSP Production, Function, and Release in the Asthmatic Airway.

Disruption of the airway epithelium triggers a defensive immune response that begins with the production and release of alarmin cytokines. These epithelial-derived alarmin cytokines, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), are produced in response to aeroallergens, viruses, and toxic inhalants. An alarmin response disproportionate to the inhaled trigger can exacerbate airway diseases such as asthma. Allergens inhaled into previously sensitized airways are known to drive a T2 inflammatory response through the polarization of T cells by dendritic cells mediated by TSLP. Harmful compounds found within air pollution, microbes, and viruses are also triggers causing airway epithelial cell release of TSLP in asthmatic airways. The release of TSLP leads to the development of inflammation which, when unchecked, can result in asthma exacerbations. Genetic and inheritable factors can contribute to the variable expression of TSLP and the risk and severity of asthma. This paper will review the various triggers and consequences of TSLP release in asthmatic airways.

TSLP is localized in and released from human lung macrophages activated by T2-high and T2-low stimuli: relevance in asthma and COPD

BackgroundMacrophages are the predominant immune cells in the human lung and play a central role in airway inflammation, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a pleiotropic cytokine mainly expressed by bronchial epithelial cells, plays a key role in asthma and COPD pathobiology. TSLP exists in two variants: the long form (lfTSLP) and a shorter TSLP isoform (sfTSLP). We aimed to localize TSLP in human lung macrophages (HLMs) and investigate the mechanisms of its release from these cells. We also evaluated the effects of the two variants of TSLP on the release of angiogenic factor from HLMs. MethodsWe employed immunofluorescence and Western blot to localize intracellular TSLP in HLMs purified from human lung parenchyma. HLMs were activated by T2-high (IL-4, IL-13) and T2-low (lipopolysaccharide: LPS) immunological stimuli. ResultsTSLP was detected in HLMs and subcellularly localized in the cytoplasm. IL-4 and LPS induced TSLP release from HLMs. Preincubation of macrophages with brefeldin A, known to disrupt the Golgi apparatus, inhibited TSLP release induced by LPS and IL-4. lfTSLP concentration-dependently induced the release of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the most potent angiogenic factor, from HLMs. sfTSLP neither activated nor interfered with the activating property of lfTSLP on macrophages. ConclusionsOur results highlight a novel immunologic circuit between HLMs and TSLP. Given the central role of macrophages in airway inflammation, this autocrine loop holds potential translational relevance in understanding innovative aspects of the pathobiology of asthma and chronic inflammatory lung disorders.

Heme oxygenase-1 alleviates allergic airway inflammation by suppressing NF-κB-mediated pyroptosis of bronchial epithelial cells.

Allergic asthma development and pathogenesis are influenced by airway epithelial cells in response to allergens. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible enzyme responsible for the breakdown of heme, has been considered an appealing target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Herein, we report that alleviation of allergic airway inflammation by HO-1-mediated suppression of pyroptosis in airway epithelial cells (AECs). Using house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma models of mice, we found increased gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the airway epithelium. Invivo administration of disulfiram, a specific inhibitor of pore formation by GSDMD, decreased thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) release, T helper type 2 immune response, alleviated airway inflammation, and reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). HO-1 induction by hemin administration reversed these phenotypes. Invitro studies revealed that HO-1 restrained GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and cytokine TSLP release in AECs by binding Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) p65 RHD domain and thus controlling NF-κB-dependent pyroptosis. These data provide new therapeutic indications for purposing HO-1 to counteract inflammation, which contributes to allergic inflammation control.

Bombesin receptor-activated protein homolog deficiency altered the pattern of pathological changes of psoriasis - like skin lesion in mice.

This study investigated the potential role of the mouse homolog of bombesin receptor-activated protein (BRAP) in imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis - like skin inflammation. The expression of both human BRAP, encoded by C6orf89, and its mouse homolog, encoded by BC004004, has been found to be expressed abundantly in the keratinocytes. BC004004 knockout mice (BC004004-/-) were topically treated with IMQ daily for 7 days to test whether they were more vulnerable to psoriasis - like inflammation. We found that those mice exhibited an altered pattern of inflammation process compared to isogenic wild type control mice (BC004004+/+). BC004004-/- mice developed skin lesions with earlier and more acute onset, as well as a quicker remission. The cytokines related to pathogenesis of psoriasis also exhibited different expression patterns in IMQ treated BC004004-/- mice. On day 4 of IMQ treatment, BC004004-/- mice exhibited a higher expression level of IL-17A compared to BC004004+/+ mice, suggesting a more robust activation of Th17 cells in the knockout mice. The serum level of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), one of the keratinocyte derived cytokines, was also increased in BC004004-/- mice and reached its peak on day 4. Knockdown of BRAP in cultured human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells by siRNA silencing led to increased release of TSLP. Our data suggest that the elevated of level of TSLP released from keratinocytes due to BRAP deficiency might mediate the crosstalk between the epidermal cells and immune cells and thereby contributing to the altered pathological changes observed in psoriasis - like skin lesion in knockout mice.

Evidence that oncostatin M synergizes with IL-4 signaling to induce TSLP expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Oncostatin M (OSM) may promote type 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) by inducing thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). We sought to study the impact of OSM on TSLP synthesis and release from nasal epithelial cells (NECs). OSM receptors, IL-4 receptors (IL-4R), and TSLP were evaluated in mucosal tissue and primary NECs from patients with CRSwNP by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Air-liquid interface-cultured NECs were stimulated with cytokines, including OSM, and quantitative PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to assess the expression of OSM receptors, IL-4R, and TSLP. Increased levels of OSM receptor β chain (OSMRβ), IL-4Rα, and TSLP were observed in nasal polyp tissues and primary epithelial cells from nasal polyps of patients with CRSwNP compared with control tissues or cells from control subjects. The level of expression of OSMRβ in tissue was correlated with levels of both IL-4Rα and TSLP. OSM stimulation of NECs increased the expression of OSMRβ and IL-4Rα. Stimulation with IL-4 plus OSM augmented the production of TSLP; the response was suppressed by a signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 inhibitor. Stimulation of NECs with IL-4 plus OSM increased the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 3, an enzyme that truncates and activates TSLP. OSM increases the expression of IL-4Rα and synergizes with IL-4 to induce the synthesis and release of TSLP in NECs. Because the combination of IL-4 and OSM also augmented the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 3, these results suggest that OSM can induce both synthesis and posttranslational processing/activation of TSLP, promoting type 2 inflammation.

Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid aggravates calcipotriol-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice by increasing the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin.

BackgroundPolyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] is a synthetic viral double-stranded RNA analog that can activate Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and induce the release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP has been shown to contribute to atopic dermatitis (AD). This study explored the effects of poly (I:C) in a calcipotriol-induced model of murine AD.MethodsCalcipotriol (MC903) was used to establish AD-like mice model. Mice in the MC903 + poly (I:C) group were then treated with poly (I:C) in a concentration of 5 µg/g bodyweight. The impact of poly (I:C) treatment on these animals was assessed based upon changes in lesions, bodyweight, ear thickness, and histopathological findings. In addition, serum interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-13, and TSLP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while tissue IL-13 and TSLP levels were assessed using ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining, and mast cell infiltration was assessed through toluidine blue (TBO) staining.ResultsRelative to vehicle control treatment, poly (I:C) administration was associated with a significant exacerbation of calcipotriol-induced AD-like murine skin lesions. In animals treated with poly (I:C), the levels of serum IL-4, IL-13 and TSLP increased significantly, while the level of IFN-γ did not change. It also increased IL-13 and TSLP levels in skin lesions relative to the control-group mice and increased dermal mast cell infiltration and IgE production.ConclusionsThese data indicate that poly (I:C) treatment and exogenous activation of TLR3 exacerbate murine calcipotriol-induced AD-like skin lesions in part by increasing the production of TSLP and other T-helper 2 (Th2)-related cytokines.KeywordsAtopic dermatitis (AD); polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)]; thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)

Human Lung-Resident Macrophages Express and Are Targets of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in the Tumor Microenvironment.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a pleiotropic cytokine highly expressed by epithelial cells and several innate and adaptive immune cells. TSLP exerts its biological effects by binding to a heterodimeric complex composed of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) and IL-7Rα. In humans, there are two TSLP isoforms: the short form (sfTSLP), constitutively expressed, and the long form (lfTSLP), which is upregulated in inflammation. TSLP has been implicated in the induction and progression of several experimental and human cancers. Primary human lung macrophages (HLMs), monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), and peripheral blood monocytes consitutively expressed sfTSLP mRNA. Incubation of HLMs, MDMs, and monocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-4, but not with IL-13, induced TSLP release from HLMs. LPS, but not IL-4 or IL-13, induced CXCL8 release from HLMs. LPS, IL-4 alone or in combination with IL-13, induced the expression of lfTSLP, but not of sfTSLP from HLMs. Preincubation of HLMs with IL-4, alone or in combination with IL-13, but not IL-13 alone, synergistically enhanced TSLP release from LPS-activated macrophages. By contrast, IL-4, alone or in combination with IL-13, inhibited LPS-induced CXCL8 release from HLMs. Immunoreactive TSLP was detected in lysates of HLMs, MDMs, and monocytes. Incubation of HLMs with TSLP induced the release of proinflammatory (TNF-α), angiogenic (VEGF-A, angiopoietin 2), and lymphangiogenic (VEGF-C) factors. TSLP, TSLPR, and IL-7Rα were expressed in intratumoral and peritumoral areas of human lung cancer. sfTSLP and lfTSLP mRNAs were differentially expressed in peritumoral and intratumoral lung cancer tissues. The TSLP system, expressed in HLMs, MDMs, and monocytes, could play a role in chronic inflammatory disorders including lung cancer.

The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the development of chronic otitis media with effusion.

To investigate the effect of thymic stromal lymphopoietin on the development of chronic otitis media with effusion MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 40 patients who had adenoidectomy operation. The objects were divided into two groups. Group 1; adenoidectomy with chronic serous otitis media, group 2; adenoidectomy without chronic serous otitis media. Serum and tissue thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels were measured by ELISA. Serum and tissue TLSP levels, mast cell count, adenoid size were compared between the groups. Twenty-four (60%) of patients were female and 16 (40%) were male. Twenty patients (55%) had adenoid hypertrophy with chronic serous otitis media, and 18 (45%) had adenoid hypertrophy without chronic serous otitis media. The mean age of the patients was 6.21 ± 2.31years. The mean mast cell count was significantly higher in group 1 compared with group 2 (p = 0.017). The mean tissue thymic stromal lymphopoietin measurement was also significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.023). However, there was no significant difference in regards to serum levels between the groups (p = 0.480). The number of mast cells as well as thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels in the adenoids of children was significantly high in the chronic serous otitis media patients. The release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin from the adenoid tissue plays a role in initiating and maintaining a local inflammatory reaction in the eustachian tube that may lead eventually to middle ear effusion in non-atopic patients.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin participates in the TLR2-and TLR4-dependent immune response triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus in human corneal cells

Fungal keratitis constitutes a serious vision-threatening disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) comprise key mediators of innate immunity triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) in the cornea, but the messenger between innate and adaptive immunity remained unknown. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) represents a critical factor of adaptive immunity. Here we investigated the expression of TSLP in corneal epithelial and stromal cells challenged by AF and its relationship with TLRs. We stimulated corneal cells with TLR ligands zymosan or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), human recombinant TSLP, or AF hyphae for various periods, with or without prior TLR2, TLR4, or TSLP inhibition. TLR2, TLR4, TSLP, IL-8, and TNF-α release and expression were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or western blot. Corneal cell stimulation with zymosan or LPS induced up-regulated TSLP expression. Enhanced TSLP expression was associated with AF treatment in human corneal cells; TLR2 or TLR4 inhibition impaired the AF-induced TSLP levels. Human recombinant TSLP augmented TLR2 and TLR4 expression; RNA interference of TSLP attenuated TLR, IL-8, and TNF-α expression stimulated by AF hyphae. These findings indicated that TSLP participates in the immune response of corneal cells triggered by AF, which is closely related to TLR function, and the innate immunity mediated by TLRs could be enhanced by TSLP. Innate immunity may therefore transmit inflammatory signals to adaptive immunity through activation of TSLP; in turn, adaptive immunity likely exerts certain regulatory effects on innate immunity via TSLP. That is, TSLP could interact with innate immunity mediated by TLR2 and TLR4 in human corneal cells challenged by AF and thus may serve as a messenger between the innate and adaptive immune responses in AF keratitis.

Glutathionylation chemistry promotes interleukin-1 beta-mediated glycolytic reprogramming and pro-inflammatory signaling in lung epithelial cells.

Glycolysis is a well-known process by which metabolically active cells, such as tumor or immune cells meet their high metabolic demands. Previously, our laboratory has demonstrated that in airway epithelial cells, the pleiotropic cytokine, interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) induces glycolysis and that this contributes to allergic airway inflammation and remodeling. Activation of glycolysis is known to increase NADPH reducing equivalents generated from the pentose phosphate pathway, linking metabolic reprogramming with redox homeostasis. In addition, numerous glycolytic enzymes are known to be redox regulated. However, whether and how redox chemistry regulates metabolic reprogramming more generally remains unclear. In this study, we employed a multi-omics approach in primary mouse airway basal cells to evaluate the role of protein redox biochemistry, specifically protein glutathionylation, in mediating metabolic reprogramming. Our findings demonstrate that IL1B induces glutathionylation of multiple proteins involved in metabolic regulation, notably in the glycolysis pathway. Cells lacking Glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx), the enzyme responsible for reversing glutathionylation, show modulation of multiple metabolic pathways including an enhanced IL1B-induced glycolytic response. This was accompanied by increased secretion of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine important in asthma pathogenesis. Targeted inhibition of glycolysis prevented TSLP release, confirming the functional relevance of enhanced glycolysis in cells stimulated with IL1B. Collectively, data herein point to an intriguing link between glutathionylation chemistry and glycolytic reprogramming in epithelial cells and suggest that glutathionylation chemistry may represent a therapeutic target in pulmonary pathologies with perturbations in the glycolysis pathway.

Vitamin D3-elicited CD14+ human skin dendritic cells promote thymic stromal lymphopoietin-independent type 2 T-helper responses.

Immune modulation by vitamin D3 through dendritic cells (DCs) remains controversial. Human DCs exposed in vitro counteract type-1 T-helper (Th1) differentiation and induce regulatory T cells. However, cutaneous application on mice promotes Th2-driven inflammation resembling atopic dermatitis and relying on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from keratinocytes and T-cell orientation by TSLP-stimulated skin DCs. We studied the effects of vitamin D3 in human skin, focusing on TSLP production and the role of skin DCs in T-cell differentiation. Human healthy skin explants were exposed in vitro to vitamin D3 analogs. Migrating DCs were analyzed and TSLP quantified in the supernatant. Allogeneic naïve CD4+ T cells were cocultured with DCs to assess their proliferation and cytokine production. Vitamin D3 induced skin DCs to differentiate Th2 cells producing IL-4 and IL-13. Vitamin D3 triggered TSLP release in ~30% of skin explants, correlating with IL-13 detection in Th2 cells. In these donors, blocking TSLP receptor during skin explant cultures abrogated IL-13 production, yet IL-4+ Th2 cells were unaffected. Among skin DCs emerged CD14+ cells that had responded directly to vitamin D3 and differed from classical CD14+ dermal emigrants. Vitamin D3-elicited CD14+ DCs sufficed to promote IL-4+ Th2 cells in a TSLP-independent manner. Vitamin D3, despite inducing TSLP in some donors, had a direct influence on skin DCs, affecting their phenotype and ability to drive Th2 responses independently of TSLP. Our findings pave the way toward in vitro systems that accurately model human cutaneous Th2 responses, notably involved in atopic dermatitis.

Pyruvate Kinase M2 Promotes Expression of Proinflammatory Mediators in House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Airways Disease.

Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by inflammation, mucus metaplasia, airway remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. We recently showed that IL-1-induced glycolytic reprogramming contributes to allergic airway disease using a murine house dust mite model. Moreover, levels of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) were increased in this model as well as in nasal epithelial cells from asthmatics as compared with healthy controls. Although the tetramer form of PKM2 converts phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, the dimeric form of PKM2 has alternative, nonglycolysis functions as a transcriptional coactivator to enhance the transcription of several proinflammatory cytokines. In the current study, we examined the impact of PKM2 on the pathogenesis of house dust mite-induced allergic airways disease in C57BL/6NJ mice. We report, in this study, that activation of PKM2, using the small molecule activator, TEPP46, augmented PKM activity in lung tissues and attenuated airway eosinophils, mucus metaplasia, and subepithelial collagen. TEPP46 attenuated IL-1β-mediated airway inflammation and expression of proinflammatory mediators. Exposure to TEPP46 strongly decreased the IL-1β-mediated increases in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and GM-CSF in primary tracheal epithelial cells isolated from C57BL/6NJ mice. We also demonstrate that IL-1β-mediated increases in nuclear phospho-STAT3 were decreased by TEPP46. Finally, STAT3 inhibition attenuated the IL-1β-induced release of TSLP and GM-CSF, suggesting that the ability of PKM2 to phosphorylate STAT3 contributes to its proinflammatory function. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the glycolysis-inactive form of PKM2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic airways disease by increasing IL-1β-induced proinflammatory signaling, in part, through phosphorylation of STAT3.

Interferon-λ enhances adaptive mucosal immunity by boosting release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin.

Interferon-λ (IFN-λ) acts on mucosal epithelial cells and thereby confers direct antiviral protection. In contrast, the role of IFN-λ in adaptive immunity is far less clear. Here, we report that mice deficient in IFN-λ signaling exhibited impaired CD8+ T cell and antibody responses after infection with a live-attenuated influenza virus. Virus-induced release of IFN-λ triggered the synthesis of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) by M cells in the upper airways that, in turn, stimulated migratory dendritic cells and boosted antigen-dependent germinal center reactions in draining lymph nodes. The IFN-λ-TSLP axis also boosted production of the immunoglobulins IgG1 and IgA after intranasal immunization with influenza virus subunit vaccines and improved survival of mice after challenge with virulent influenza viruses. IFN-λ did not influence the efficacy of vaccines applied by subcutaneous or intraperitoneal routes, indicating that IFN-λ plays a vital role in potentiating adaptive immune responses that initiate at mucosal surfaces.

Effect of Alarmins on the Synthesis of Tissue Cytokines

A primary response of the innate immune system to a pathogen invasion or tissue damage is the synthesis of tissue cytokines. Interleukins (IL) 25 and 33 or thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are produced by epithelial or muscle cells in response to pathogen fragments, i.e., pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or endogenous stress factors (danger associated molecular patterns, DAMPs). The goal of this work is to compare the ability of the bacterial peptide N-formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) and an endogenous pruritus inducer, amino acid β-alanine, to stimulate the expression of tissue cytokines. It has been shown by quantitative PCR that fMLP stimulates the ex vivo gene expression of TSLP and IL-25 in murine trachea explants, and β-alanine also stimulates IL-33 gene expression. The in vivo level of TSLP and IL-33 has been evaluated by ELISA in lung homogenates 1 and 6 h after intratracheal injection of the stimulants. Both β‑alanine and fMLP induce the release of IL-33 and TSLP from the intracellular depot. It is shown for the first time that β-alanine and fMLP are activators of tissue cytokine synthesis.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by diesel exhaust particles mediates epithelium-derived cytokines expression in severe allergic asthma.

Exposure to environmental pollutants promotes Th2 cell responses. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation aggravates allergic responses. Epithelium-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-25, and IL-33 are implicated in the dysregulation of Th2 immune responses in severe allergic asthma. Bronchial biopsies of 28 allergic severe asthma and 6 mild asthma subjects from highly polluted areas were analyzed for AhR nuclear translocation (NT), cytokine expression, and gene activation. Cultured primary epithelial cells were stimulated with diesel exhausted particles (DEP) to determine AhR-mediated IL-33, Il-25, and TSLP synthesis and release. Primary bronchial epithelial cells exposed to DEP showed upregulation of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. These effects were abolished by knockdown of AhR by siRNA. Increased AhR/ARNT binding to promoters of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP was found using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Allergic severe asthma with high AhR NT had higher bronchial gene and protein expression of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. These patients derived clinical benefit from anti-IgE treatment. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by DEP mediates upregulation of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP with Th2 activation, potentially linking environmental pollution and allergic severe asthma.

Staphylococcus aureus Induces a Mucosal Type 2 Immune Response via Epithelial Cell-derived Cytokines.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is characterized by a T-helper cell type 2-skewed upper airway inflammation. Mucosal Staphylococcus aureus colonization is found in the majority of patients with nasal polyps. S. aureus is known to induce type 2 cytokine release via enterotoxins. To investigate the impact of non-enterotoxin-producing S. aureus on type 2 cytokine release. TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), IL-33, and type 2 cytokines were assessed in a human mucosal tissue model upon S. aureus infection. S. aureus exposure increased the expression of IL-33, TSLP, IL-5, and IL-13 in nasal polyp tissue, accompanied by elevated expression levels of TSLP and IL-33 receptors, predominantly on CD3+ T cells. S. aureus infection led to the release of TSLP, but not IL-33, IL-5, or IL-13, from healthy inferior turbinate tissue. In contrast, S. epidermidis did not induce any epithelial cell-derived cytokines in nasal polyp or healthy tissue. S. aureus infection also increased the release of IL-33 and TSLP in BEAS-2B epithelial cells, accompanied by activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) pathways. Incubation with CU-CPT22, a specific Toll-like receptor 2 antagonist, significantly reduced the S. aureus-induced release of TSLP and IL-33, and the activity of the NF-κB signal in BEAS-2B cells. This study demonstrates for the first time that S. aureus can directly induce epithelial cell-derived cytokine release via binding to Toll-like receptor 2, and may thereby propagate type 2 cytokine expression in nasal polyp tissue.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone-Stimulated Human Adipocytes Express Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin.

When recombinant human (rh) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is administered to thyroid cancer survivors, an acute extra-thyroidal effect raises pro-inflammatory cytokines and activates platelets. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine recently implicated in platelet activation. Our aim was to measure platelet microparticle levels after rhTSH stimulation in vivo, and to investigate TSLP expression in TSH-stimulated human adipocytes in culture. Blood samples for total and platelet microparticle analysis were obtained from thyroid cancer survivors before (day 1) and after rhTSH administration (day 5). Adipocytes, differentiated from stromal preadipocytes isolated from adipose tissue from surgical patients, were stimulated with TSH. TSLP mRNA expression, protein expression, and protein release into the adipocyte medium were measured. The level of platelet microparticles in thyroid cancer patients rose 5-fold after rhTSH stimulation. TSH upregulated TSLP mRNA expression in adipocytes in culture through a pathway that was inhibited by 66% by H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor. TSLP protein expression rose in response to TSH, and TSH-stimulated TSLP release into the medium was completely blocked by dexamethasone. In conclusion, TSLP is a novel TSH-responsive adipokine. Future studies will be needed to address the potential role of adipocyte-derived TSLP and whether it is linked to TSH-dependent platelet activation.

IL-1/inhibitory κB kinase ε–induced glycolysis augment epithelial effector function and promote allergic airways disease

Emerging studies suggest that enhanced glycolysis accompanies inflammatory responses. Virtually nothing is known about the relevance of glycolysis in patients with allergic asthma. We sought to determine whether glycolysis is altered in patients with allergic asthma and to address its importance in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. We examined alterations in glycolysis in sputum samples from asthmatic patients and primary human nasal cells and used murine models of allergic asthma, as well as primary mouse tracheal epithelial cells, to evaluate the relevance of glycolysis. In a murine model of allergic asthma, glycolysis was induced in the lungs in an IL-1-dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of IL-1β into the airways stimulated lactate production and expression of glycolytic enzymes, with notable expression of lactate dehydrogenase Aoccurring in the airway epithelium. Indeed, exposure of mouse tracheal epithelial cells to IL-1β or IL-1α resulted in increased glycolytic flux, glucose use, expression of glycolysis genes, and lactate production. Enhanced glycolysis was required for IL-1β- or IL-1α-mediated proinflammatory responses and the stimulatory effects of IL-1β on house dust mite (HDM)-induced release of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and GM-CSF from tracheal epithelial cells. Inhibitor of κB kinase ε was downstream of HDM or IL-1β and required for HDM-induced glycolysis and pathogenesis of allergic airways disease. Small interfering RNA ablation of lactate dehydrogenase Aattenuated HDM-induced increases in lactate levels and attenuated HDM-induced disease. Primary nasal epithelial cells from asthmatic patients intrinsically produced more lactate compared with cells from healthy subjects. Lactate content was significantly higher in sputum supernatants from asthmatic patients, notably those with greater than 61% neutrophils. Apositive correlation was observed between sputum lactate and IL-1β levels, and lactate content correlated negatively with lung function. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that IL-1β/inhibitory κB kinase ε signaling plays an important role in HDM-induced glycolysis and pathogenesis of allergic airways disease.

LB964 Inhibition of TSLP, inflammatory cytokines, and tissue damage in a reconstructed human epidermis model mimicking atopic dermatitis

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is highly expressed by keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis (AD) in which TSLP drives immune dysregulation, barrier alternations, and triggers itch sensation. Several reports demonstrated that keratinocyte and reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) when treated with an inflammatory cocktail, comprised of a TLR3 agonist, Th2 cytokines and TNF-a, exhibited key aspects of AD-related phenotype including increased release of TSLP, cytokines, spongiosis, and disrupted skin barrier. The objective of this study was to develop this AD model and evaluate its utility for assessing topical actives in suppressing inflammation responses triggered by the AD inflammatory cocktail. Hydrocortisone was utilized for the initial evaluation of this AD model. Treatment of inflammatory cocktails comprised of different concentrations of poly I:C, IL-4, IL-13 and TNF-a resulted in a dose and time-dependent increased expression and release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., TSLP, COX-2, LTB4, and various cytokines) in RHE. The inflammatory cocktails also led to differing extents of tissue damage including spongiosis, reduced keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and tissue integrity. Topical treatment with hydrocortisone inhibited the inflammatory cocktail-induced TSLP, and cytokines. Histology analyses demonstrated that topical hydrocortisone alleviated the cocktail-induced tissue damage, and altered cell proliferation. Topical treatment with hydrocortisone, when applied prior to, simultaneously, or post-inflammatory cocktail treatment, resulted in differing degrees of protection against the inflammatory cocktail-induced TSLP, cytokines, and tissue damage, with the highest level of inhibition associated with application before cocktail treatment. In conclusion, this report suggests that the AD RHE model system could be a useful in vitro tool for the screening of therapeutic agents which target TSLP expression, as demonstrated by the results with hydrocortisone.