Retnla (relmalpha/fizz1) suppresses helminth-induced Th2-type immunity.

ABSTRACT: Retnla (Resistin-like molecule alpha/FIZZ1) is induced during Th2 cytokine immune responses. However, the role of Retnla in Th2-type immunity is unknown. Here, using Retnla(-/-) mice and three distinct helminth models, we show that Retnla functions as a negative regulator of Th2 responses. Pulmonary granuloma formation induced by the eggs of the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni is dependent on IL-4 and IL-13 and associated with marked increases in Retnla expression. We found that both primary and secondary pulmonary granuloma formation were exacerbated in the absence of Retlna. The number of granuloma-associated eosinophils and serum IgE titers were also enhanced. Moreover, when chronically infected with S. mansoni cercariae, Retnla(-/-) mice displayed significant increases in granulo

SUBMITTER: Pesce JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2663845 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature