Enhanced Th2 cell differentiation and allergen-induced airway inflammation in Zfp35-deficient mice

J Immunol. 2009 Oct 15;183(8):5388-96. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0804155. Epub 2009 Sep 25.

Abstract

Studies of human asthma and of animal models of allergic airway inflammation revealed a crucial role for Th2 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Kruppel-type zinc finger proteins are the largest family of a regulatory transcription factor for cellular development and function. Zinc finger protein (Zfp) 35 is an 18-zinc finger motif-containing Kruppel-type zinc finger protein, while its function remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of Zfp35 in the pathogenesis of Th2-dependent allergic inflammation, such as allergic asthma. We examined airway eosinophilic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in two mouse models, which use our newly generated Zfp35-deficient (Zfp35(-/-)) mice and adoptive transfer of cells. In Zfp35(-/-) mice, Th2 cell differentiation, Th2 cytokine production, eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness were substantially enhanced. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of Ag-sensitized Zfp35(-/-) CD4 T cells into the asthmatic mice resulted in enhanced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. These results indicate that Zfp35 controls Th2 cell differentiation, allergic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness in a negative manner. Thus, Zfp35 may control Th2-dependent diseases, such as allergic asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / transplantation
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • Zinc Fingers*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Zfp35 protein, mouse
  • Ovalbumin