ECM1 controls T(H)2 cell egress from lymph nodes through re-expression of S1P(1)

Nat Immunol. 2011 Feb;12(2):178-85. doi: 10.1038/ni.1983. Epub 2011 Jan 9.

Abstract

Type 2 helper T cells (T(H)2) are critically involved in allergies and asthma. Here we demonstrate that extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1) is highly and selectively expressed in T(H)2 cells. ECM1 deficiency caused impaired T(H)2 responses and reduced allergic airway inflammation in vivo. Functional analysis demonstrated that although the T(H)2 polarization of ECM1-deficient cells was unimpaired, these cells had a defect in migration and were retained in peripheral lymphoid organs. This was associated with reduced expression of KLF2 and S1P(1). We also found that ECM1 could directly bind the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor to inhibit IL-2 signaling and activate S1P(1) expression. Our data identify a previously unknown function of ECM1 in regulating T(H)2 cell migration through control of KLF2 and S1P(1) expression.

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / immunology
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / genetics
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / immunology
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism*
  • Th2 Cells / pathology
  • Transgenes / genetics

Substances

  • Ecm1 protein, mouse
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing
  • Sip1 protein, mouse