The costimulatory molecule SLAM is critical for pulmonary allergic responses.
T-cell activation plays an essential role in the generation of the pulmonary inflammation that is manifest in allergic asthma. Optimal T-cell activation requires not only presentation of antigen with the major histocompatibility complex, but also concurrent signaling through costimulatory molecules. The costimulatory molecule SLAM (Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule, CD150) is a glycoprotein expressed on activated lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. Disruption of the SLAM gene demonstrated that SLAM-induced signal transduction pathways regulate cytokine production by T helper (Th)2 cells and macrophages. Here we tested the postulate that the costimulatory molecule SLAM may be critical for allergic inflammation in a murine model. SLAM-deficient mice did not manifest allergen-induced bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia, increased serum IgE, or heightened airway responses compared with wild-type mice. Allergen-induced Th2 cytokines and Th1 cytokines were decreased in SLAM-deficient mice. These data support the concept that SLAM plays a crucial role in allergic responses.
Wang
Ninghai
N
Division of Immunology, Reth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Campo
Monica
M
Ting
Leon
L
Fleming
Caroline
C
Terhorst
Cox
C
Finn
Patricia W
PW
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000276:immunology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D000071177:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016207:Cytokines; D006023:Glycoproteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000071177:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D010047:Ovalbumin