Xiangqian Qiu MD , Yinhui Zeng MD , Jinyuan Li MD , Qingxiang Zeng PhD, Xi Luo PhD, Wenlong Liu PhD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
The follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) and type 2 follicular helper T (Tfh2) play important roles in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its detailed mechanism underlying the regulation of between Tfr and Tfh in AR is unclear. Apolipoprotein AI (Apo-AI), a well-established anti-inflammatory protein, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, eosinophils, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells. We sought to investigate the interaction and mechanism between Apo-AI and Tfr/Tfh2 in AR.
Methods
The peripheral Tfh2 and Tfr cells were detected and compared by flow cytometry and their correlation with serum Apo-AI protein expression were analyzed. The effect of Apo-AI on Tfh2 and Tfr cells were determined through detection of functional cytokines and key transcription factors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A Tfr-Tfh2-B cell coculture system was adopted to investigate the role of Apo-AI. Apo-AI knockout AR mice model was established to verify the results of in vitro studies.
Results
The serum Apo-AI concentration was positively correlated with the blood frequencies of Tfr cells and negatively correlated with the blood frequencies of Tfh2 cells in AR patients. Apo-AI inhibited IL-4 and IL-21 protein expression by Tfh2 and promoted IL-10 and TGF-beta protein expression by Tfr. In Tfr-Tfh2-B cell coculture system, Apo-AI attenuated the expression of IL-4, IL-21 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase through inducible costimulator (ICOS)/inducible costimulator ligand (ICOSL) pathways. Apo-AI partially restored the suppressive function of AR-derived Tfr cells. Apo-AI knockout AR mice presented with elevated blood Tfh2 frequencies and decreased blood Tfr frequencies, while administration of anti-ICOSL reversed the effect of Apo-AI.
Conclusion
Apo-AI alleviates AR through the regulation of the function of Tfh2 and Tfr, which may serve as a potential treatment target for AR.
期刊介绍:
The official pubication of the World Allergy Organization, the World Allergy Organization Journal (WAOjournal) publishes original mechanistic, translational, and clinical research on the topics of allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis, and clincial immunology, as well as reviews, guidelines, and position papers that contribute to the improvement of patient care. WAOjournal publishes research on the growth of allergy prevalence within the scope of single countries, country comparisons, and practical global issues and regulations, or threats to the allergy specialty. The Journal invites the submissions of all authors interested in publishing on current global problems in allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis, and immunology. Of particular interest are the immunological consequences of climate change and the subsequent systematic transformations in food habits and their consequences for the allergy/immunology discipline.