Extracellular antigens are internalized and processed before binding MHC class II molecules within endosomal and lysosomal compartments of professional antigen presenting cells (APC) for subsequent presentation to T cells. Yet select cytoplasmic peptides derived from autoantigens also intersect and bind class II molecules via an unknown mechanism. In human B lymphoblasts, inhibition of the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) failed to alter class II-restricted cytoplasmic epitope presentation. By contrast, decreased display of cytoplasmic epitopes via class II molecules was observed in cells with diminished expression of the lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (Lamp-2). Overexpression of Lamp-2 isoform A (Lamp-2a), an established component of chaperone-mediated autophagy, enhanced cytoplasmic autoantigen presentation. Manipulating APC expression of heat shock cognate protein 70 (hsc70), a cofactor for Lamp-2a, also altered cytoplasmic class II peptide presentation. These results demonstrate a novel role for the lysosomal Lamp-2a-hsc70 complex in promoting immunological recognition and antigen presentation.
Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently characterized IL-1 family member that is proposed to function as an alarmin, or endogenous signal of cellular damage, as well act as a pleiotropic cytokine. The ability of IL-33 to potentiate both Th1 and Th2 immunity supports its role in pathogen clearance and disease immunopathology. Yet, IL-33 restrains experimental colitis and transplant rejection by expanding regulatory T cells (Treg) via an undefined mechanism. We sought to determine the influence of IL-33 on hematopoietic cells that drives Treg expansion and underlies the therapeutic benefit of IL-33 administration. Herein, we identify a feedback loop where conventional mouse CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC) stimulated by IL-33 secrete IL-2 to selectively expand IL-33R(ST2+) suppressive CD4+Foxp3+ Treg. Interestingly, this occurs in the absence of classical DC maturation, and DC-derived (innate) IL-2 increases ST2 expression on both DC and interacting Treg. ST2+ Treg represent an activated subset of Foxp3+ cells, demonstrated to be ICOShiCD44hi compared to their ST2− counterparts. Furthermore, while studies have shown that IL-33-exposed DC promote Th2 responses, we reveal that ST2+ DC are required for IL-33-mediated in vitro and in vivo Treg expansion. Thus, we have uncovered a relationship between IL-33 and innate IL-2 that promotes the selective expansion of ST2+ Treg over non-Treg. These findings identify a novel regulatory pathway driven by IL-33 in immune cells that may be harnessed for therapeutic benefit or for robust expansion of Treg in vitro and in vivo.
Key Points Peri-alloHCT IL-33 delivery prevents acute GVHD through MAPK-dependent expansion of radiation-resistant recipient ST2+ Tregs. IL-33–expanded Tregs regulate myeloid cell differentiation and activation, and limit effector T-cell accumulation in GVHD-target tissue.
RationaleIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive scarring and matrix deposition. Recent reports highlight an autoimmune component in IPF pathogenesis. We have reported anti-col(V) immunity in IPF patients. The objective of our study was to determine the specificity of col(V) expression profile and anti-col(V) immunity relative to col(I) in clinical IPF and the efficacy of nebulized col(V) in pre-clinical IPF models.MethodsCol(V) and col(I) expression profile was analyzed in normal human and IPF tissues. C57-BL6 mice were intratracheally instilled with bleomycin (0.025 U) followed by col(V) nebulization at pre-/post-fibrotic stage and analyzed for systemic and local responses.ResultsCompared to normal lungs, IPF lungs had higher protein and transcript expression of the alpha 1 chain of col(V) and col(I). Systemic anti-col(V) antibody concentrations, but not of anti-col(I), were higher in IPF patients. Nebulized col(V), but not col(I), prevented bleomycin-induced fibrosis, collagen deposition, and myofibroblast differentiation. Col(V) treatment suppressed systemic levels of anti-col(V) antibodies, IL-6 and TNF-α; and local Il-17a transcripts. Compared to controls, nebulized col(V)-induced tolerance abrogated antigen-specific proliferation in mediastinal lymphocytes and production of IL-17A, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ. In a clinically relevant established fibrosis model, nebulized col(V) decreased collagen deposition. mRNA array revealed downregulation of genes specific to fibrosis (Tgf-β, Il-1β, Pdgfb), matrix (Acta2, Col1a2, Col3a1, Lox, Itgb1/6, Itga2/3) and members of the TGF-β superfamily (Tgfbr1/2, Smad2/3, Ltbp1, Serpine1, Nfkb/Sp1/Cebpb).ConclusionsAnti-col(V) immunity is pathogenic in IPF, and col(V)-induced tolerance abrogates bleomycin-induced fibrogenesis and down regulates TGF- β-related signaling pathways.
IL-33 is a more recently identified member of the IL-1 cytokine family, expressed in the nucleus of epithelial cells and released into the extracellular space following tissue damage. The impact of IL-33 as a regulator of the adaptive immune response has been studied extensively, with an understood role for IL-33 in the effector functions of CD4(+) Th2 cells. IL-33, however, is now being shown to initiate the Th2-polarizing function of DCs, and stimulate the secretion of the type 2-associated cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, from tissue-resident innate-immune cells, especially ILCs and MCs. IL-33 also initiates and perpetuates local inflammatory responses through the recruitment and activation of type 2- and inflammatory-associated effectors, such as eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. As such, IL-33 drives and amplifies type 2-dependent immunity, as well as type 2-dependent tissue destruction and inflammation. It is also becoming apparent that IL-33 supports the reparative capacity of macrophage and ILCs, but these functions may also contribute to chronic fibrotic diseases. Herein, we review new developments in the understanding of IL-33 as it functions in Th2 cells and type 2 immunity. This includes a discussion of our evolving understanding of how IL-33 directly and indirectly promotes type 2 immune responses through action on innate cells in immunity and the pathogenesis of atopic and fibrotic diseases.
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