title: VIP protects Th2 cells by downregulating granzyme B expression.
abstract: Selective differentiation of Th1/Th2 effectors contributes to cell- or antibody-mediated immunity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) induces Th2 responses by promoting Th2 differentiation and survival. Here we investigate the mechanisms of VIP-induced Th2 survival. Microarray and protein data indicate that VIP prevents the upregulation of granzyme B (GrB) in Th2, but not Th1 effectors. This is the first report of GrB expression and of its involvement in activation-induced apoptosis of T helper cells. The enhanced responsiveness of Th2 cells to VIP is probably due to the higher expression of VIP receptors and alternative signaling pathways. This study identifies GrB as a new significant player in Th1/Th2 activation-induced cell death, and characterizes the mechanisms for the protective effect of VIP on Th2 survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Doina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ganea
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D053804:Granzymes; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D053804:Granzymes; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases