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Der p, IL-4, and TGF- Cooperatively Induce EGFR-Dependent TARC Expression in Airway Epithelium

Department of Allergology, Pulmonology, and Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Correspondence and requests for reprints should be addressed to Dr. I.H. Heijink, Department of Allergology and Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, NL-9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: h.i.heijink{at}int.umcg.nl

Thymus and Activation-Regulated Chemokine (TARC) may be critical in Th2 cell recruitment in allergic inflammation; however, the mechanisms of allergen-induced TARC release are unclear. Since airway epithelium is the first line of defense to inhaled allergens, we questioned whether house dust mite allergen (Der p) can induce TARC expression in bronchial epithelial cells, how this is regulated at the molecular level, and if micro-environmental cytokines augment this effect. We examined the effects of Der p and the cytokines IL-4 and TGF- on TARC expression in 16HBE cells and primary bronchial asthma epithelium. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that Der p induces TARC expression in bronchial epithelium. Supernatants from Der p–stimulated 16HBE cells were able to induce TARC-dependent T cell trafficking. IL-4 and TGF- cooperatively enhanced Der p–induced TARC expression in 16HBE cells. Specific inhibitors, immunodetection, and gel-shifts revealed that these effects are mediated by phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and subsequent nuclear factor (NF)-B activation. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM), a family of proteins involved in shedding of various growth factors, was shown to be responsible for EGFR activation. The increase in TARC production by direct interaction of Der p with the bronchial epithelium may be an important initial step in the generation of allergic inflammation, which is further potentiated by micro-environmental cytokines. Interference with ADAM or EGFR activity may be a novel promising target to prevent TARC release and subsequent allergic inflammation.

Key Words: human • chemokine • inflammation • signal transduction • lung

CLINICAL RELEVANCE The concept of allergen-induced epithelial damage leading to TARC production and allergic inflammation is new in the field. The hitherto unrecognized role of ADAM/EGFR in Th2-mediated airway inflammation may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.

 

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