Activin A and TGF-β promote T(H)9 cell-mediated pulmonary allergic pathology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

IL-9-secreting (T(H)9) T cells are thought to represent a distinct T-cell subset. However, evidence for their functionality in disease is uncertain.

Objective

To define a functional phenotype for T(H)9-driven pathology in vivo.

Methods

We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting to identify circulating T(H)9 cells in atopic and nonatopic subjects. In mice we utilized a model of allergic airways disease induced by house dust mite to determine T(H)9 cell function in vivo and the role of activin A in T(H)9 generation.

Results

Allergic patients have elevated T(H)9 cell numbers in comparison to nonatopic donors, which correlates with elevated IgE levels. In a murine model, allergen challenge with house dust mite leads to rapid T(H)9 differentiation and pr

SUBMITTER: Jones CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3385370 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature