Transcription of interleukin-25 and extracellular release of the protein is regulated by allergen proteases in airway epithelial cells

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013 Nov;49(5):741-50. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2012-0304OC.

Abstract

Epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces are integral components of innate and adaptive immunity. IL-25 is reportedly produced by epithelial cells and likely plays vital roles in regulating type-2 immune responses. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms that control production and extracellular releases of IL-25. We hypothesized that proteases from the multiple allergens may induce IL-25 production in airway epithelial cells. In this study, we found that IL-25 is constitutively produced and detectable in cytoplasm of resting normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. When exposed to airborne allergens such as house dust mite (HDM), stored IL-25 was released rapidly to the extracellular space. IL-25 release was not accompanied by cell death, suggesting involvement of active secretory mechanism(s). HDM also enhanced IL-25 mRNA transcription, which was dependent on their protease activities. Furthermore, activation of NHBE cells with authentic proteases, such as trypsin and papain, or with a peptide agonist for protease-activated receptor 2 was sufficient to enhance IL-25 mRNA transcription and protein. Protease-driven increase in mRNA transcription and allergen-driven extracellular release of IL-25 protein was also observed in primary nasal epithelial cells from healthy individuals. These findings suggest that IL-25 production by airway epithelial cells is regulated by the transcription and protein release levels and that allergen proteases likely play pivotal roles in both biological processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Allergens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / immunology*
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / metabolism
  • Arthropod Proteins / immunology*
  • Arthropod Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival
  • Epithelial Cells / enzymology
  • Epithelial Cells / immunology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Peptide Hydrolases / immunology*
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Pyroglyphidae / enzymology
  • Pyroglyphidae / immunology*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptor, PAR-2 / metabolism
  • Respiratory Mucosa / enzymology
  • Respiratory Mucosa / immunology*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Arthropod Proteins
  • IL25 protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor, PAR-2
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Peptide Hydrolases