Preferential role for NF-kappa B/Rel signaling in the type 1 but not type 2 T cell-dependent immune response in vivo

J Immunol. 1999 Nov 1;163(9):5116-24.

Abstract

T cell function is a critical determinant of immune responses as well as susceptibility to allergic diseases. Activated T cells can differentiate into effectors whose cytokine profile is limited to type 1 (IFN-gamma-dominant) or type 2 (IL-4-, IL-5-dominant) patterns. To investigate mechanisms that connect extracellular stimuli with the regulation of effector T cell function, we have measured immune responses of transgenic mice whose NF-kappa B/Rel signaling pathway is inhibited in T cells. Surprisingly, these mice developed type 2 T cell-dependent responses (IgE and eosinophil recruitment) in a model of allergic pulmonary inflammation. In contrast, type 1 T cell responses were severely impaired, as evidenced by markedly diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, IFN-gamma production, and Ag-specific IgG2a levels. Taken together, these data indicate that inhibition of NF-kappa B can lead to preferential impairment of type 1 as compared with type 2 T cell-dependent responses.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / genetics
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / pathology
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / immunology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Eosinophilia / genetics
  • Eosinophilia / immunology
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / genetics
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology
  • I-kappa B Proteins*
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes / biosynthesis
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NF-kappa B / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel / physiology*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / genetics
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor RelA

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • I-kappa B Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nfkbia protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha