Regulation of immune responses by prostaglandin E2

J Immunol. 2012 Jan 1;188(1):21-8. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101029.

Abstract

PGE(2), an essential homeostatic factor, is also a key mediator of immunopathology in chronic infections and cancer. The impact of PGE(2) reflects the balance between its cyclooxygenase 2-regulated synthesis and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase-driven degradation and the pattern of expression of PGE(2) receptors. PGE(2) enhances its own production but suppresses acute inflammatory mediators, resulting in its predominance at late/chronic stages of immunity. PGE(2) supports activation of dendritic cells but suppresses their ability to attract naive, memory, and effector T cells. PGE(2) selectively suppresses effector functions of macrophages and neutrophils and the Th1-, CTL-, and NK cell-mediated type 1 immunity, but it promotes Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cell responses. PGE(2) modulates chemokine production, inhibiting the attraction of proinflammatory cells while enhancing local accumulation of regulatory T cells cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Targeting the production, degradation, and responsiveness to PGE(2) provides tools to modulate the patterns of immunity in a wide range of diseases, from autoimmunity to cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / immunology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Dinoprostone / immunology*
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / physiology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human
  • Dinoprostone