Omega-1, a glycoprotein secreted by Schistosoma mansoni eggs, drives Th2 responses

J Exp Med. 2009 Aug 3;206(8):1673-80. doi: 10.1084/jem.20082460. Epub 2009 Jul 27.

Abstract

Soluble egg antigens of the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni egg antigen [SEA]) induce strong Th2 responses both in vitro and in vivo. However, the specific molecules that prime the development of Th2 responses have not been identified. We report that omega-1, a glycoprotein which is secreted from S. mansoni eggs and present in SEA, is capable of conditioning human monocyte-derived dendritic cells in vitro to drive T helper 2 (Th2) polarization with similar characteristics as whole SEA. Furthermore, using IL-4 dual reporter mice, we show that both natural and recombinant omega-1 alone are sufficient to generate Th2 responses in vivo, even in the absence of IL-4R signaling. Finally, omega-1-depleted SEA displays an impaired capacity for Th2 priming in vitro, but not in vivo, suggesting the existence of additional factors within SEA that can compensate for the omega-1-mediated effects. Collectively, we identify omega-1, a single component of SEA, as a potent inducer of Th2 responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Female
  • Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Helminth Proteins / immunology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Ovum / immunology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / deficiency
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Schistosoma mansoni / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Cytokines
  • Glycoproteins
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Il4ra protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Proteins