Resident mast cells are important for eotaxin-induced eosinophil accumulation in vivo

Mast cells' integrated actions with eosinophils and fibroblasts in allergic inflammation: implications for therapy

Mast cells (MCs) and eosinophils (Eos) are the key players in the development of allergic inflammation (AI). Their cross-talk, named the Allergic Effector Unit (AEU), takes place through an array of soluble mediators and ligands/receptors interactions that enhance the functions of both the cells. One of the salient features of the AEU is the CD48/2B4 receptor/ligand binding complex. Furthermore, MCs and Eos have been demonstrated to play a role not only in AI but also in the modulation of its consequence, i.e., fibrosis/tissue remodeling, by directly influencing fibroblasts (FBs), the main target cells of these processes. In turn, FBs can regulate the survival, activity, and phenotype of both MCs and Eos. Therefore, a complex three players, MCs/Eos/FBs interaction, can take place in various stages of AI. The characterization of the soluble and physical mediated cross talk among these three cells might lead to the identification of both better and novel targets for the treatment of allergy and its tissue remodeling consequences.

Nasal sensitization with ragweed pollen induces local-allergic-rhinitis-like symptoms in mice

Recently, the concept of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) was established, namely rhinitis symptoms with local IgE production and negative serum antigen-specific IgE. However, the natural course of LAR development and the disease pathogenesis is poorly understood. This study investigated the pathophysiology of mice with allergic rhinitis that initially sensitized with ragweed pollen through the nasal route. Mice were nasally administrated ragweed pollen over consecutive days without prior systemic immunization of the allergen. Serial nasal sensitization of ragweed pollen induced an allergen-specific increase in sneezing, eosinophilic infiltration, and the production of local IgE by day 7, but serum antigen-specific IgE was not detected. Th2 cells accumulated in nose and cervical lymph nodes as early as day 3. These symptoms are characteristic of human LAR. Continual nasal exposure of ragweed pollen for 3 weeks resulted in the onset of classical AR with systemic atopy and adversely affected lung inflammation when the allergen was instilled into the lung. Fcer1a^−/− mice were defective in sneezing but developed normal eosinophilic infiltration. Contrary, Rag2^−/− mice were defective in both sneezing and eosinophilic infiltration, suggesting that T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. These observations demonstrate nasal allergen sensitization to non-atopic individuals can induce LAR. Because local Th2 cell accumulation is the first sign and Th2 cells have a central role in the disease, a T-cell-based approach may aid the diagnosis and treatment of LAR.

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 blockade impairs CCL11- or allergen-induced eosinophil recruitment in experimental pleurisy

Although proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-2 has been implicated in inflammatory diseases, its role in regulating eosinophil recruitment in response to chemoattractants remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of PAR-2 and PAR-2-activating Mast Cell (MC) tryptase on chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL)11- and antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment to the pleural cavity of BALB/c mice. The PAR-2-activating peptide H-Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-NH2 (SLIGRL-NH2) induced eosinophil recruitment whereas PAR-2 blockade inhibited ovalbumin (OVA)- or CCL11-induced eosinophil recruitment. Moreover, OVA and CCL11 induced PAR-2 expression in pleural leukocytes, and the MC tryptase inhibitor APC 366 ([N-(1-hydroxy-2-napthoyl)-l-arginyl-l-prolinamide hydrochloride]) abolished CCL11-induced eosinophil recruitment. These results suggest a pro inflammatory effect of PAR-2 and support a role for MC tryptase mediating eosinophil migration via PAR-2 signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that PAR-2 activation through endogenous MC tryptase activity could be required, at least partially, to mediate CCL11-induced eosinophil migration.

5-lipoxygenase-dependent recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages by eotaxin-stimulated murine eosinophils

The roles of eosinophils in antimicrobial defense remain incompletely understood. In ovalbumin-sensitized mice, eosinophils are selectively recruited to the peritoneal cavity by antigen, eotaxin, or leukotriene(LT)B4, a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolite. 5-LO blockade prevents responses to both antigen and eotaxin. We examined responses to eotaxin in the absence of sensitization and their dependence on 5-LO. BALB/c or PAS mice and their mutants (5-LO-deficient ALOX; eosinophil-deficient GATA-1) were injected i.p. with eotaxin, eosinophils, or both, and leukocyte accumulation was quantified up to 24 h. Significant recruitment of eosinophils by eotaxin in BALB/c, up to 24 h, was accompanied by much larger numbers of recruited neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. These effects were abolished by eotaxin neutralization and 5-LO-activating protein inhibitor MK886. In ALOX (but not PAS) mice, eotaxin recruitment was abolished for eosinophils and halved for neutrophils. In GATA-1 mutants, eotaxin recruited neither neutrophils nor macrophages. Transfer of eosinophils cultured from bone-marrow of BALB/c donors, or from ALOX donors, into GATA-1 mutant recipients, i.p., restored eotaxin recruitment of neutrophils and showed that the critical step dependent on 5-LO is the initial recruitment of eosinophils by eotaxin, not the secondary neutrophil accumulation. Eosinophil-dependent recruitment of neutrophils in naive BALB/c mice was associated with increased binding of bacteria.

Interacting mast cells and eosinophils acquire an enhanced activation state in vitro

BACKGROUND

Mast cells (MCs) and eosinophils (Eos), the key effector cells in allergy, are abundantly co-localized particularly in the late and chronic stages of allergic inflammation. Recent evidence has outlined a specialized 'allergic effector unit' in which MCs and Eos communicate via both soluble mediators and physical contact. However, the functional impact of this bi-directional crosstalk on the cells' effector activities has not yet been revealed. We aimed to investigate whether MC/eosinophil interactions can influence the immediate and late activation phenotypes of these cells.

METHODS

Human and murine MCs and Eos were co-cultured under various conditions for 1-2 h or 1-3 days, and in selected experiments cell-cell contact was blocked. Cell migration and mediator release were examined, and flow cytometry was applied to stain intracellular signaling molecules and surface receptors.

RESULTS

Eosinophils enhanced basal MCs mediator release and co-stimulated IgE-activated MCs through physical contact involving CD48-2B4 interactions. Reciprocally, resting and IgE-stimulated MCs led to eosinophil migration and activation through a paracrine-dependent mechanism. Increased phosphorylation of activation-associated signaling molecules, and enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor α, was observed in long-term co-cultures. Eosinophils also showed enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, which depended on direct contact with MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal a new role for MC/eosinophil interplay in augmenting short- and long-term activation in both cells, in a combined physical/paracrine manner. This enhanced functional activity may thus critically contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory response in allergic conditions.

Chapter 4. Interactions of chemokines with glycosaminoglycans

Many proteins require interactions with cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to exert their biologic activity. The effect of GAG binding on protein function ranges from essential roles in development, organogenesis, cell growth, cell adhesion, inflammation, tumorigenesis, and interactions with pathogens. A classic example is the role of GAGs in the interaction of fibroblast growth factors with their receptors, where GAGs play a role in specificity determination and control of receptor-ligand engagement. The other well-studied example involves the binding of antithrombin to heparin/heparan sulfate, which results in the inactivation of the coagulation cascade. In view of their specialized activity in cellular recruitment, chemokines interact with GAGs, minimally as a mechanism for localization of chemokines to specific anatomical spaces enabling them to act as directional signals for migrating cells. The biological relevance of these interactions has been recently demonstrated by functional characterization of mutants that are deficient in GAG binding. These mutants bind receptor normally in vitro but are unable to recruit cells in vivo. Observations like this have motivated investigations to identify GAG-binding epitopes on chemokines, the specificity and affinity of chemokines for different GAGs, the oligomerization of chemokines on GAGs, and the efficacy of GAG-binding mutants in the context of in vivo cell recruitment and animal models of disease. To this end, several techniques have been developed to measure the interactions of chemokines with GAGs. In this chapter we describe these various assays with particular reference to those that have been used to assess the binding of chemokines to GAGs and to define their epitopes. In the end, we believe both in vitro and in vivo characterization are absolutely necessary for understanding these interactions and their biologic relevance in the context of the whole organism.

Translational research on the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is an inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium. EE is a relatively new disease from clinical and research standpoints. A recent surge in basic and translational studies has emerged to understand its pathogenesis since its recognition as a separate entity from acid-induced gastroesophageal reflux disease in 1995. Our understanding of this disease is still limited, however. In this article, available evidence from translational studies on EE is discussed, focusing on the allergic nature of the disease and highlighting the role of various inflammatory cells found in the esophagus of patients who have EE. Esophageal remodeling in EE is also discussed.

Eotaxin selectively binds heparin. An interaction that protects eotaxin from proteolysis and potentiates chemotactic activity in vivo

An important feature of chemokines is their ability to bind to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains of proteoglycans, predominately heparin and heparan sulfate. To date, all chemokines tested bind to immobilized heparin in vitro, as well as cell surface heparan sulfate in vitro and in vivo. These interactions play an important role in modulating the action of chemokines by facilitating the formation of stable chemokine gradients within the vascular endothelium and directing leukocyte migration, by protecting chemokines from proteolysis, by inducing chemokine oligomerization, and by facilitating transcytosis. Despite the importance of eotaxin in eosinophil differentiation and recruitment being well established, little is known about the interaction between eotaxin and GAGs and the functional consequences of such an interaction. Here we report that eotaxin binds selectively to immobilized heparin with high affinity (K(d) = 1.23 x 10(-8) M), but not to heparan sulfate or a range of other GAGs. The interaction of eotaxin with heparin does not promote eotaxin oligomerization but protects eotaxin from proteolysis directly by plasmin and indirectly by cathepsin G and elastase. In vivo, co-administration of eotaxin and heparin is able to significantly enhance eotaxin-mediated eosinophil recruitment in a mouse air-pouch model. Furthermore, when heparin is co-administered with eotaxin at a concentration that does not normally result in eosinophil infiltration, eosinophil recruitment occurs. In contrast, heparin does not enhance eotaxin-mediated eosinophil chemotaxis in vitro, suggesting protease protection or haptotactic gradient formation as the mechanism by which heparin enhances eotaxin action in vivo. These results suggest a role for mast cell-derived heparin in the recruitment of eosinophils, reinforcing Th2 polarization of inflammatory responses.

Interleukin-3 and c-Kit/stem cell factor are required for normal eosinophil responses in mice infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis

To evaluate the potential roles of Interleukin-3 (IL-3) and c-Kit, the tyrosine kinase receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), in eosinophil responses in vivo, we examined eosinophil numbers in uninfected or nematode-infected wild-type mice, IL-3-/- mice, and IL-3-/- mice that also have a marked reduction in SCF/c-Kit signaling (ie, Kit(W)/Kit(W-v), IL-3-/- mice). We found no significant differences in the numbers of eosinophils in the blood, bone marrow or various tissues of IL-3-/- vs IL-3+/+ mice, either at baseline or after the induction of bone marrow, blood or tissue eosinophilia in response to infection with Strongyloides venezuelensis (S.v.) or Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N.b.). However, in mice with markedly impaired SCF/c-Kit signaling, IL-3 contributed significantly to the increased numbers of eosinophils that were observed in multiple tissues during S.v. infection, but not during infection with N.b.

Selective inhibition of eosinophil influx into the lung by small molecule CC chemokine receptor 3 antagonists in mouse models of allergic inflammation

CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 3 is a chemokine receptor implicated in recruiting cells, particularly eosinophils (EPhi), to the lung in episodes of allergic asthma. To investigate the efficacy of selective, small molecule antagonists of CCR3, we developed a murine model of EPhi recruitment to the lung. Murine eotaxin was delivered intranasally to mice that had previously received i.p. injections of ovalbumin (OVA), and the effects were monitored by bronchoalveolar lavage. A selective eosinophilic influx was produced in animals receiving eotaxin but not saline. Furthermore, the number of EPhi was concentration- and time-dependent. Although anti-CCR3 antibody reduced the number of EPhi, the effect of eotaxin in OVA-sensitized mice was not a direct chemotactic stimulus because mast cell deficiency (in WBB6F1-Kitw/Kitw-v mice) significantly reduced the response. Two representative small molecule CCR3 antagonists from our program were characterized as being active at mouse CCR3. They were administered p.o. to wild-type mice and found to reduce eotaxin-elicited EPhi selectively in a dose-dependent manner. Pump infusion of one of the inhibitors to achieve steady-state levels showed that efficacy was not achieved at plasma concentrations equivalent to the in vitro chemotaxis IC90 but only at much higher concentrations. To extend the results from our recruitment model, we tested one of the inhibitors in an allergenic model of airway inflammation, generated by adoptive transfer of OVA-sensitive murine T helper 2 cells and aerosolized OVA challenge of recipient mice, and found that it inhibited EPhi recruitment. We conclude that small molecule CCR3 antagonists reduce pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation elicited by chemokine or allergenic challenge.

The melanocortin peptide HP228 displays protective effects in acute models of inflammation and organ damage

The clinically efficacious melanocortin peptide HP228 has here been investigated for its anti-inflammatory efficacy. In this study we have investigated the efficacy of HP228 in murine acute models of inflammation and myocardial ischaemia. Systemic treatment of mice with HP228 inhibited neutrophil accumulation in zymosan; urate crystal and carrageenan induced inflammatory models. In the urate model this was due to inhibition of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, whilst different mechanisms exist for zymosan peritonitis and carrageenan-induced air-pouch inflammation. HP228 was next evaluated in a model of myocardial ischaemia, another condition where cytokines and neutrophils are thought to play a causal role. HP228 caused a 50% reduction in myocardial damage following reperfusion. HP228 therefore inhibits the most important facet of the host inflammatory response namely leukocyte migration. These data show for the first time that the clinically efficacious peptide HP228 displays protective effects in models of inflammation and organ damage.

The role of human mast cell-derived cytokines in eosinophil biology

Eosinophil-mediated diseases, such as allergic asthma, eosinophilic fasciitis, and certain hypersensitivity pulmonary disorders, are characterized by eosinophil infiltration and tissue injury. Mast cells and T cells often colocalize to these areas. Recent data suggest that mast cells can contribute to eosinophil-mediated inflammatory responses. Activation of mast cells can occur by antigen and immunoglobulin E (IgE) via the high-affinity receptor (FcepsilonRI) for IgE. The liberation of proteases, leukotrienes, lipid mediators, and histamine can contribute to tissue inflammation and allow recruitment of eosinophils to tissue. In addition, the synthesis and expression of a plethora of cytokines and chemokines (such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-3, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], and the chemokines IL-8, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted [RANTES], monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1], and eotaxin) by mast cells can influence eosinophil biology. Stem cell factor (SCF)-c-kit, cytokine-cytokine receptor, and chemokine-chemokine receptor (CCR3) interactions leading to nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression, and other signaling pathways can modulate eosinophil function. Eosinophil hematopoiesis, activation, survival, and elaboration of mediators can all be regulated thus by mast cells in tissue. Moreover, because eosinophils can secrete SCF, eosinophils can regulate mast cell function in a paracrine manner. This two-way interaction between eosinophils and mast cells can pave the way for chronic inflammatory responses in a variety of human diseases. This review summarizes this pivotal interaction between human mast cells and eosinophils.

Upregulated eotaxin expression and T cell infiltration in the basal and papillary epithelium in cows' milk associated reflux oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Cows' milk sensitive reflux oesophagitis is an emerging clinical entity in children, normally indistinguishable from primary gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) apart from the response to dietary antigen exclusion. It is conjectural whether a tendency towards mucosal eosinophilia distinguishes this group from primary GOR.

AIMS

To determine whether there may be differences in the mucosal lesion within the oesophagus in those children with reflux in association with cows' milk induced small bowel pathology, particularly in relation to the eosinophil chemokine eotaxin.

METHODS

A total of 29 children underwent endoscopic assessment, including nine with cows' milk sensitive enteropathy (CMSE) and associated GOR, seven histologically normal controls, six with primary GOR, and seven disease controls. Oesophageal biopsy specimens were examined immunohistochemically for the chemokines eotaxin and MCP-2, and T cell lineage and activation markers.

RESULTS

Strong upregulation of eotaxin expression, limited to basal and papillary epithelium, occurred in all CMSE patients. By contrast, weak expression was seen in a minority of controls and in 50% of primary GOR patients. Infiltration of CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes occurred in similar distribution in CMSE patients, significantly increased above controls. Significant upregulation of activation markers (CD25, HLA-DR) was also seen in the CMSE group within basal and papillary epithelium compared to controls and primary GOR.

CONCLUSION

Basal and papillary epithelial eotaxin expression, with focal lymphocyte activation, was seen in infants with CMSE associated GOR. This preliminary study provides early evidence to suggest a pathogenesis distinct from primary GOR, in which specific recruitment of T cells and eosinophils may contribute to oesophageal dysmotility.

CCR3 is required for tissue eosinophilia and larval cytotoxicity after infection with Trichinella spiralis

The CCR3 binds at least seven different CC chemokines and is expressed on eosinophils, mast cells (MC), and a subset of Th cells (Th2) that generate cytokines implicated in mucosal immune responses. Using mice with a targeted disruption of CCR3 (CCR3(-/-)) and their +/+ littermates, we investigated the role of CCR3 in the amplification of tissue eosinophilia and MC hyperplasia in the mouse after infection with Trichinella spiralis. In CCR3(-/-) mice, eosinophils are not recruited to the jejunal mucosa after infection and are not present in the skeletal muscle adjacent to encysting larvae. In addition, the number of cysts in the skeletal muscle is increased and the frequency of encysted larvae exhibiting necrosis is reduced. The CCR3(-/-) mice exhibit the expected MC hyperplasia in the jejunum and caecum and reject the adult worms from the small intestine at a normal rate. This study is consistent with distinct functions for MC (adult worm expulsion) and eosinophils (toxicity to larvae) in immunity to a helminth, T. spiralis, and defines the essential requirement for CCR3 in eosinophil, but not MC recruitment to tissues.

Local and distant recurrences in rectal cancer patients are predicted by the nonspecific immune response; specific immune response has only a systemic effect--a histopathological and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Invasion and metastasis is a complex process governed by the interaction of genetically altered tumor cells and the immunological and inflammatory host response. Specific T-cells directed against tumor cells and the nonspecific inflammatory reaction due to tissue damage, cooperate against invasive tumor cells in order to prevent recurrences. Data concerning involvement of individual cell types are readily available but little is known about the coordinate interactions between both forms of immune response.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The presence of inflammatory infiltrate and eosinophils was determined in 1530 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma from a multicenter trial. We selected 160 patients to analyze this inflammatory infiltrate in more detail using immunohistochemistry. The association with the development of local and distant relapses was determined using univariate and multivariate log rank testing.

RESULTS

Patients with an extensive inflammatory infiltrate around the tumor had lower recurrence rates (3.4% versus 6.9%, p = 0.03), showing the importance of host response against tumor cells. In particular, peritumoral mast cells prevent local and distant recurrence (44% versus 15%, p = 0.007 and 86% versus 21%, p < 0.0001, respectively), with improved survival as a consequence. The presence of intratumoral T-cells had independent prognostic value for the occurrence of distant metastases (32% versus 76%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that next to properties of tumor cells, the amount and type of inflammation is also relevant in the control of rectal cancer. Knowledge of the factors involved may lead to new approaches in the management of rectal cancer.

Stem cell factor-induced leukotriene B4 production cooperates with eotaxin to mediate the recruitment of eosinophils during allergic pleurisy in mice

The understanding of the mechanisms underlying eosinophil recruitment in vivo may aid in the development of novel strategies for the treatment of allergic disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of chemokines in the cascade of events leading to eosinophil recruitment in a stem cell factor (SCF)- and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4))-dependent allergic pleurisy model in mice. The intrapleural administration of the eosinophil-active chemokines eotaxin, RANTES, and macrophage-inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP-1alpha) induced a time- and dose-dependent eosinophil recruitment. Pretreatment with anti-eotaxin, but not anti-RANTES or anti-MIP-1alpha, blocked the recruitment of eosinophils following Ag challenge of sensitized animals, and significant eotaxin immunoreactivity was detected in the pleural cavity of these animals. Similarly, only the anti-eotaxin inhibited the eosinophil recruitment induced by injection of SCF in naive animals. However, blockade of SCF did not inhibit the release of eotaxin after Ag challenge of sensitized mice. Akin to its effects on SCF and in the allergic reaction, eotaxin-induced eosinophil recruitment was blocked by the LTB(4) receptor antagonist CP105696. Nevertheless, SCF, but not eotaxin, appeared to regulate the endogenous release of LTB(4) after Ag challenge. Finally, we show that low doses of eotaxin synergized with LTB(4) to induce eosinophil recruitment in the pleural cavity. Overall, the present results show that eotaxin and SCF-induced LTB(4) cooperate to induce eosinophil recruitment into sites of allergic inflammation. Cooperation between inflammatory mediators must be an important phenomenon in vivo, explaining both the ability of lower concentrations of mediators to induce a full-blown functional response and the effectiveness of different strategies at inhibiting these responses.

Expression of eotaxin, interleukin 13 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in dermatitis herpetiformis

BACKGROUND

The dermal and perivascular infiltrate in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), which is mainly composed of CD4+ lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, is believed to play an important part in the pathogenesis of the disease. Previous studies suggest that cytokines such as interleukin (IL) -8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-4 and IL-5 could be involved in the pathogenesis of DH. These cytokines appear to drive tissue infiltration and maturation of eosinophils. Part of the effect of T-helper (Th) 2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) on eosinophils could be mediated by eotaxin, which is a highly specific chemotactic protein induced by various cytokines [IL-4, IL-13, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) -alpha and interferon-gamma].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the expression of eotaxin and its inducers, IL-13 and TNF-alpha, in DH. METHODS We examined lesions collected from 10 DH patients with active disease. Sections from each specimen were incubated with anti-IL-13, anti-TNF-alpha and anti-eotaxin antibodies. Chloroacetyl esterase reaction was performed to show mast cell infiltration.

RESULTS

Eotaxin was mainly expressed at the tips of the dermal papillae, within the microabscesses. Positivity was also found in the lymphomonocytic infiltrate in the dermis. IL-13 was expressed in the dermal infiltrate and TNF-alpha was found in the inflammatory infiltrate and in dermal vascular cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm the importance of the lymphomonocytic infiltrate and of Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of this disease, suggesting that tissue infiltration in DH is mediated by cell-specific chemokines such as eotaxin and not only by non-specific chemokines such as IL-8.

Cloning of equine chemokines eotaxin, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-2 and MCP-4, mRNA expression in tissues and induction by IL-4 in dermal fibroblasts

We report the cloning of four equine CC chemokines, eotaxin, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MCP-2 and MCP-4, which show high levels of identity with their respective homologous sequences in other species. Using a multiplex RT-PCR, we have studied the constitutive mRNA expression of these four CC chemokines in skin, lung, liver, spleen, jejunum, colon and kidney of normal adult horses and compared this data with the eosinophil counts in the same samples. We demonstrate that eotaxin mRNA is only expressed in jejunum and colon, where there are large numbers of eosinophils suggesting that eotaxin might be recruiting eosinophils in the normal digestive tract of the horse. MCP-1 and MCP-4 are expressed in all tissues whereas MCP-2 is only found in some samples of lung, spleen, liver and kidney. We also report the early induction (2h) of equine eotaxin and MCP-4, and the up-regulation of MCP-1 by interleukin-4 in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting these chemokines might be involved in equine skin allergic diseases.

The diverse potential effector and immunoregulatory roles of mast cells in allergic disease

Mast cells are of hematopoietic origin but typically complete their maturation in peripheral connective tissues, especially those near epithelial surfaces. Mast cells express receptors that bind IgE antibodies with high affinity (FcepsilonRI), and aggregation of these FcepsilonRI by the reaction of cell-bound IgE with specific antigens induces mast cells to secrete a broad spectrum of biologically active preformed or lipid mediators, as well as many cytokines. Mast cells are widely thought to be essential for the expression of acute allergic reactions, but the importance of mast cells in late-phase reactions and chronic allergic inflammation has remained controversial. Although it is clear that many cell types may be involved in the expression of late-phase reactions and chronic allergic inflammation, studies in genetically mast cell-deficient and congenic normal mice indicate that mast cells may be critical for the full expression of certain features of late-phase reactions and may also contribute importantly to clinically relevant aspects of chronic allergic inflammation. Moreover, the pattern of cytokines that can be produced by mast cell populations, and the enhancement of such cytokine production in mast cells that have undergone IgE-dependent up-regulation of their surface expression of FcepsilonRI, suggests that mast cells may contribute to allergic diseases (and host defense) by acting as immunoregulatory cells, as well as by providing effector cell function.

Contrasting roles for RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) in a murine model of allergic peritonitis

Cell accumulation and CC chemokine production were assessed in the peritoneal cavity of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice following antigen challenge. Intraperitoneal challenge with OVA induced a significant eosinophil influx from 6 h post-challenge with increased numbers persisting at 24 h. At 6 h there was also a marked presence of neutrophils. Messenger RNA expression and protein levels for the chemokines RANTES and MIP-1 alpha were measured in the cell pellets and supernatants, respectively, from peritoneal washes following OVA challenge. RANTES mRNA was detected from 2 h to 4 h following OVA injection, whereas mRNA for MIP-1 alpha was only detectable at 4 h. RANTES protein was first detected from 4 h after OVA injection and by 24 h the protein levels had increased further. Basal levels of MIP-1 alpha were detected in peritoneal washes. These levels peaked at 2 h after OVA challenge and rapidly declined to basal levels by 6 h. A functional role for the chemokines was assessed using neutralizing polyclonal antibodies. Co-injection of OVA with anti-RANTES antibodies resulted in a significant inhibition of eosinophil infiltration into the cavity at 6 h and 24 h (63% and 52% inhibition, respectively) without significantly influencing the number of neutrophils present. In contrast, injection of anti-MIP-1 alpha antibodies only inhibited neutrophil migration at the 6 h time point by 44% without significantly affecting the accumulation of eosinophils. These results demonstrate an important role for RANTES in mediating eosinophil influx in allergic inflammation and a contrasting role for MIP-1 alpha in mediating neutrophil recruitment.