title: KU812 cells provide a novel in vitro model of the human IL-33/ST2L axis: functional responses and identification of signaling pathways.
abstract: Activation of interleukin-1 family receptor ST2L by its ligand interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an important component in inflammatory responses. Peripheral blood basophils, recognized as major effector cells in allergic inflammation that play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity, are activated by IL-33 through ST2L. However, studies are challenging due to the paucity of this cell population, representing less than 1% of peripheral blood leukocytes. We identified a basophil-like chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line, KU812, that constitutively expresses ST2L and demonstrates functional responses to IL-33 stimulation. IL-33 induced production of multiple inflammatory mediators in KU812 cells that were blocked by anti-ST2L and anti-IL-33 antibodies. The interaction of IL-33 and ST2L activated NF-kappaB, JNK, and p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors to IKK-2 and MAP kinases revealed that one of the functional responses, IL-33-induced IL-13 production, was regulated through NF-kappaB, but not JNK or p38 MAPK signaling. The requirement of NF-kappaB was confirmed by IKK-2 knockdown using shRNA. KU812 represents the first human cell line-based in vitro model of the IL-33/ST2L axis and provides a valuable tool to aid in understanding the mechanism and significance of IL-33 and ST2L interaction and function.
authors.affiliation: Pharma Research and Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110-1199, USA.
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tare
authors.forename: Hongli
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morschauser
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cote-Sierra
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ju
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Renzetti
authors.forename: Tai-An
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018925:Chemokines / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000072179:Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; D000067596:Interleukin-33; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological; D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines; C079241:IL1RL1 protein, human; C506536:IL33 protein, human; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D000072179:Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; D000067596:Interleukin-33; D007378:Interleukins; D016328:NF-kappa B; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases