J Bacteriol Virol.  2014 Dec;44(4):311-316. 10.4167/jbv.2014.44.4.311.

Panonychus citri Can Induce T-helper Type 2 Immune Responses via the Release of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin and IL-4

• Lee J
• Hong SC
• Chung YB
• Lee HS
• Lee KH

• KMID: 1737319
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2014.44.4.311

Abstract

Panonychus citri damages the leaves of citrus trees, causing defoliation, and induces T-helper type 2 (TH2) immune responses (occupational asthma) via a hitherto unknown mechanism. This is a particular problem on Jeju Island, which is located to the south of the Korean peninsula. In this study, we show for the first time how P. citri induces TH2 immunity. Exposure to P. citri induces the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) by either basophils or CD4+ T cells (it is not certain which), which results in the production of interleukin 4 (IL-4). IL-4 promotes the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which ultimately contributes to the process of allergic inflammation. Therefore, TSLP plays an important role in the P. citri-induced TH2 immune response.

Keyword

P. citri; Occupational asthma; TSLP; IgE; IL-4

MeSH Terms

Asthma, Occupational
Basophils
Citrus
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins
Inflammation
Interleukin-4*
T-Lymphocytes
Trees
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins
Interleukin-4

Figure

• 

  Figure 1. P. citri induces IgE secretion via the production of TSLP, and IL-4. IgE concentrations measured by ELISA (A). PBMCs were cultured with P. citri extract (50 μg/well). The role of TSLP in IgE secretion was assessed by culturing PBMCs with P. citri extract (50 μg/well) and anti-human-TSLP antibody (1 μg/well). TSLP production (B) and Tslp gene expression (C) were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. IL-4 production (D) and Il4 gene expression (E) were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. ELISA, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; PBMCs, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; ME, P. citri extracts; Anti-TSLP: anti-human TSLP antibody.

• 

  Figure 2. TSLP and IL-4 were produced by human CD4+T cells following stimulation with P. citri extract. Real-time PCR analysis of Tslp (A) and Il4 (B) gene expression in human CD4+ T cells that had been incubated with P. citri extract (50 μg/well). Irradiated PBMCs were used as a source of APCs and purified CD4+ T cells. IrPBMC, Irradiated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; ME, P. citri extracts.

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