Trefoil factor 2 rapidly induces interleukin 33 to promote type 2 immunity during allergic asthma and hookworm infection

M Wills-Karp, R Rani, K Dienger, I Lewkowich… - Journal of Experimental …, 2012 - rupress.org
M Wills-Karp, R Rani, K Dienger, I Lewkowich, JG Fox, C Perkins, L Lewis, FD Finkelman
Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2012rupress.org
The molecular mechanisms that drive mucosal T helper type 2 (TH2) responses against
parasitic helminths and allergens remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate in mice that
TFF2 (trefoil factor 2), an epithelial cell–derived repair molecule, is needed for the control of
lung injury caused by the hookworm parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and for type 2
immunity after infection. TFF2 is also necessary for the rapid production of IL-33, a TH2-
promoting cytokine, by lung epithelia, alveolar macrophages, and inflammatory dendritic …
The molecular mechanisms that drive mucosal T helper type 2 (TH2) responses against parasitic helminths and allergens remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate in mice that TFF2 (trefoil factor 2), an epithelial cell–derived repair molecule, is needed for the control of lung injury caused by the hookworm parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and for type 2 immunity after infection. TFF2 is also necessary for the rapid production of IL-33, a TH2-promoting cytokine, by lung epithelia, alveolar macrophages, and inflammatory dendritic cells in infected mice. TFF2 also increases the severity of allergic lung disease caused by house dust mite antigens or IL-13. Moreover, TFF2 messenger RNA expression is significantly increased in nasal mucosal brushings during asthma exacerbations in children. These experiments extend the biological functions of TFF2 from tissue repair to the initiation and maintenance of mucosal TH2 responses.
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