Th2 cell-specific cytokine expression and allergen-induced airway inflammation depend on JunB

EMBO J. 2002 Dec 2;21(23):6321-9. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cdf648.

Abstract

Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into effector T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cells, which are classified by their specific set of cytokines. Here we demonstrate that loss of JunB in in vitro polarized Th2 cells led to a dysregulated expression of the Th2-specific cytokines IL-4 and IL-5. These cells produce IFN-gamma and express T-bet, the key regulator of Th1 cells. In line with the essential role of Th2 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma, mice with JunB-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibited an impaired allergen-induced airway inflammation. This study demonstrates novel functions of JunB in the development of Th2 effector cells, for a normal Th2 cytokine expression pattern and for a complete Th2-dependent immune response in mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens
  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-5 / biosynthesis*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / metabolism*
  • Spleen
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Interleukin-5
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • T-box transcription factor TBX21
  • Transcription Factors
  • Interleukin-4