Th2 cell-specific cytokine expression and allergen-induced airway inflammation depend on JunB.
Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into effector T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cells, which are classified by their specific set of cytokines. Here we demonstrate that loss of JunB in in vitro polarized Th2 cells led to a dysregulated expression of the Th2-specific cytokines IL-4 and IL-5. These cells produce IFN-gamma and express T-bet, the key regulator of Th1 cells. In line with the essential role of Th2 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma, mice with JunB-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibited an impaired allergen-induced airway inflammation. This study demonstrates novel functions of JunB in the development of Th2 effector cells, for a normal Th2 cytokine expression pattern and for a complete Th2-dependent immune response in mice.
Hartenstein
Bettina
B
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg, Department of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Teurich
Sibylle
S
Hess
Jochen
J
Schenkel
Johannes
J
Schorpp-Kistner
Marina
M
Angel
Peter
P
D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009154:Mutation; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013154:Spleen; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D000098815:T-bet Transcription Factor
D000485:Allergens; D015848:Interleukin-5; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins; D000098815:T-bet Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015847:Interleukin-4