Human T cells that have been conditioned by the proteolytic activity of the major dust mite allergen Der p 1 trigger enhanced immunoglobulin E synthesis by B cells

MicroRNA-511-3p Mediated Modulation of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) Controls LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Monocyte Derived DCs

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in dendritic cells (DCs), where it exerts anti-inflammatory responses against TLR4-induced inflammation. Recently, microRNA-511 (miR-511) has also emerged as a key player in controlling TLR4-mediated signalling and in regulating the function of DCs. Interestingly, PPARγ has been previously highlighted as a putative target of miR-511 activity; however, the link between miR-511 and PPARγ and its influence on human DC function within the context of LPS-induced inflammatory responses is unknown. Using a selection of miR-511-3p-specific inhibitors and mimics, we demonstrate for the first time that knockdown or overexpression of miR-511-3p inversely correlates with PPARγ mRNA levels and affects its transcriptional activity following treatment with rosiglitazone (RSG; PPARγ agonist), in the presence or absence of LPS. Additionally, we show that PPARγ-mediated suppression of DC activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in miR-511-3p knockdown DCs is abrogated following overexpression of miR-511-3p. Lastly, PPARγ activation suppressed LPS-mediated induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in DCs, most likely due to changes in miR-511-3p expression. Our data thus suggests that PPARγ-induced modulation of DC phenotype and function is influenced by miR-511-3p expression, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target against inflammatory diseases.

Contributions and Future Directions for Structural Biology in the Study of Allergens

Allergy is defined as an inappropriate immune response to something normally considered harmless. The symptomatic immune response is driven by IgE antibodies directed against allergens. The study of allergens has contributed significantly to our understanding of allergic disease in 3 main areas. First, identifying allergens as the cause of symptoms and developing allergen standards has led to many advances in exposure assessment and patient diagnostics. Second, a biochemical understanding of allergens has suggested a number of hypotheses related to the mechanisms of allergic sensitization. And finally, studies of allergen-antibody interactions have contributed to understanding the cross-reactivity of allergens, mapping patient epitopes, and the development of hypoallergens. In this review, a few select cases are highlighted where structural biology, in particular, has contributed significantly to allergen research and provided new avenues for investigation.

Profiling the Extended Cleavage Specificity of the House Dust Mite Protease Allergens Der p 1, Der p 3 and Der p 6 for the Prediction of New Cell Surface Protein Substrates

House dust mite (HDM) protease allergens, through cleavages of critical surface proteins, drastically influence the initiation of the Th2 type immune responses. However, few human protein substrates for HDM proteases have been identified so far, mainly by applying time-consuming target-specific individual studies. Therefore, the identification of substrate repertoires for HDM proteases would represent an unprecedented key step toward a better understanding of the mechanism of HDM allergic response. In this study, phage display screenings using totally or partially randomized nonameric peptide substrate libraries were performed to characterize the extended substrate specificities (P₅–P₄′) of the HDM proteases Der p 1, Der p 3 and Der p 6. The bioinformatics interface PoPS (Prediction of Protease Specificity) was then applied to define the proteolytic specificity profile of each protease and to predict new protein substrates within the human cell surface proteome, with a special focus on immune receptors. Specificity profiling showed that the nature of residues in P₁ but also downstream the cleavage sites (P′ positions) are important for effective cleavages by all three HDM proteases. Strikingly, Der p 1 and Der p 3 display partially overlapping specificities. Analysis with PoPS interface predicted 50 new targets for the HDM proteases, including 21 cell surface receptors whose extracellular domains are potentially cleaved by Der p 1, Der p 3 and/or Der p 6. Twelve protein substrate candidates were confirmed by phage ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). This extensive study of the natural protein substrate specificities of the HDM protease allergens unveils new cell surface target receptors for a better understanding on the role of these proteases in the HDM allergic response and paves the way for the design of specific protease inhibitors for future anti-allergic treatments.

Proteases of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

Since the discovery that Der p 1 is a cysteine protease, the role of proteolytic activity in allergic sensitization has been explored. There are many allergens with proteolytic activity; however, exposure from dust mites is not limited to allergens. In this paper, genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data on Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) was mined for information regarding the complete degradome of this house dust mite. D. pteronyssinus has more proteases than the closely related Acari, Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Sarcoptes scabiei (SS). The group of proteases in D. pteronyssinus is found to be more highly transcribed than the norm for this species. The distribution of protease types is dominated by the cysteine proteases like Der p 1 that account for about half of protease transcription by abundance, and Der p 1 in particular accounts for 22% of the total protease transcripts. In an analysis of protease stability, the group of allergens (Der p 1, Der p 3, Der p 6, and Der p 9) is found to be more stable than the mean. It is also statistically demonstrated that the protease allergens are simultaneously more highly expressed and more stable than the group of D. pteronyssinus proteases being examined, consistent with common assumptions about allergens in general. There are several significant non-allergen outliers from the normal group of proteases with high expression and high stability that should be examined for IgE binding. This paper compiles the first holistic picture of the D. pteronyssinus degradome to which humans may be exposed.

A review on human health perspective of air pollution with respect to allergies and asthma

The increase in cases of asthma and allergies has become an important health issue throughout the globe. Although these ailments were not common diseases a few short decades ago, they are now affecting a large part of the population in many regions. Exposure to environmental (both outdoor and indoor) pollutants may partially account for the prevalence of such diseases. In this review, we provide a multidisciplinary review based on the most up-to-date survey of literature regarding various types of airborne pollutants and their associations with asthma-allergies. The major pollutants in this respect include both chemical (nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds) and biophysical parameters (dust mites, pet allergens, and mold). The analysis was extended further to describe the development of these afflictions in the human body and the subsequent impact on health. This publication is organized to offer an overview on the current state of research regarding the significance of air pollution and its linkage with allergy and asthma.

Mite allergen Der-p2 triggers human B lymphocyte activation and Toll-like receptor-4 induction

Background

Allergic disease can be characterized as manifestations of an exaggerated inflammatory response to environmental allergens triggers. Mite allergen Der-p2 is one of the major allergens of the house dust mite, which contributes to TLR4 expression and function in B cells in allergic patients. However, the precise mechanisms of Der-p2 on B cells remain obscure.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We investigated the effects of Der-p2 on proinflammatory cytokines responses and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-related signaling in human B cells activation. We demonstrated that Der-p2 activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, TLR4 and its co-receptor MD2. ERK inhibitor PD98059 significantly enhanced TLR4/MD2 expression in Der-p2-treated B cells. Der-p2 markedly activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and decreased p38 phosphorylation in B cells. MKP-1-siRNA downregulated TLR4/MD2 expression in Der-p2-treated B cells. In addition, Der-p2 significantly up-regulated expression of co-stimulatory molecules and increased B cell proliferation. Neutralizing Der-p2 antibody could effectively abrogate the Der-p2-induced B cell proliferation. Der-p2 could also markedly induce NF-κB activation in B cells, which could be counteracted by dexamethasone.

Conclusions/Significance

These results strongly suggest that Der-p2 is capable of triggering B cell activation and MKP-1-activated p38/MAPK dephosphorylation-regulated TLR4 induction, which subsequently enhances host immune, defense responses and development of effective allergic disease therapeutics in B cells.

The protease allergen Pen c 13 induces allergic airway inflammation and changes in epithelial barrier integrity and function in a murine model

Fungal allergens are associated with the development of asthma, and some have been characterized as proteases. Here, we established an animal model of allergic airway inflammation in response to continuous exposure to proteolytically active Pen c 13, a major allergen secreted by Penicillium citrinum. In functional analyses, Pen c 13 exposure led to increased airway hyperresponsiveness, significant inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus overproduction, and collagen deposition in the lung, dramatically elevated serum levels of total IgE and Pen c 13-specific IgE and IgG1, and increased production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by splenocytes stimulated in vitro with Pen c 13. To examine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of allergenicity by Pen c 13, we performed two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis analysis combined with nano-LC-MS/MS, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify potential targets that associated with allergic inflammation, which suggested that galectin-3 and laminin might be involved in novel pathogenic mechanisms. Finally, we focused on junctional proteins between cells, because, in addition to opening of the epithelial barrier by environmental proteases possibly being the initial step in the development of asthma, these proteins are also associated with actin rearrangement. Taken together, our findings indicate that Pen c 13 exposure causes junctional structure alterations and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, resulting in increased permeability and airway structural changes. These effects probably change the lung microenvironment and foster the development of allergic sensitization.

Epitope mapping and structural analysis of the anti-Der p 1 monoclonal antibody: insight into therapeutic potential

Group 1 allergen from Dermatophagoid pteronyssinus (Der p 1) belongs to the papain-like cysteine protease family and is a major cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. An anti-Der p 1 monoclonal antibody, mAb W108, was selected and isolated from Der p-specific IgG2b-producing hybridoma clones. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that mAb W108 reacted with four components of Der p extracts with a molecular mass of 35 kDa and pI values varying from 4 to 6; it also reacted with IgE antibodies in the sera of Der p-sensitive patients. In the competitive assay and using azocasein as a substrate, we found that mAb W108 inhibited not only the binding of Der p 1, but also its cysteine protease activity in a dose-dependent manner. The two peptide segments of Der p 1 identified by mAb W108 (aa 151-197 and 286-320) were parts of inter-connecting loops located in the substrate-binding cleft and on the surface of the domain comprising mainly β-sheets. From the predicted interaction between the amino acid sequence in the CDR3 of mAb W108 and Der p 1-binding epitopes, the possible binding sites for mAb W108 to Der p 1 may sterically hinder the IgE epitope and the active site of cysteine protease activity. Administration of mAb W108 in the Der p-sensitized murine model of asthma alleviated allergen-induced airway inflammation and the Th2 cytokine immune response, suggesting its therapeutic potential. These findings can provide new insights into understanding IgE-mediated disease and the design of modified allergen vaccines for future allergen-specific immunotherapy.

The molecular basis of allergenicity

Allergens are mostly innocuous antigens that elicit powerful T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses leading to hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and allergy. Research carried out over several years has highlighted the possible role of the inherent protease activity, surface features and glycosylation patterns of allergens in the engagement of a Th2 signalling pathway. It is thought that allergens possess common features and patterns that enable them to be recognized by innate immune defences as Th2-inducing antigens. These events are further amplified by proteolytically active allergens through digestion of cell surface molecules involved in regulating innate and adaptive immune functions, favouring Th2 responses. A greater understanding of the molecular features that make proteins allergenic will help define new therapeutic targets aimed at blocking allergen recognition and protease activity.

T-cell responses to allergens

The allergic response in human beings is engineered by CD4(+) T lymphocytes, which secrete T(H)2 cytokines in response to activation by allergen-derived peptides. Although T(H)2 cells have been well characterized, defining the properties of allergen-specific T cells has proved challenging in human beings because of their low frequency within the T-cell repertoire. However, recent studies have provided insight into the molecular signature of long-lived human memory T(H)2 cells, which are allergen-specific. T-cell responses directed against allergens develop in early life and are heavily influenced by the type and dose of allergen, and possibly coexposure to microbial products. These responses are susceptible to suppression by regulatory T cells. This article highlights recent advances in the characterization of allergen-specific memory T(H)2 cells and discusses the heterogeneous nature of regulatory T cells and possible mechanisms of action. The relevance of T-cell epitope mapping studies to understanding the unique nature of T-cell responses to different allergens, as well as to peptide vaccine development, is reviewed. Experimental techniques and approaches for analyzing allergen-specific T cells and identifying novel T-cell epitopes are described that may lead to new T-cell-based therapies.

Crucial Commitment of Proteolytic Activity of a Purified Recombinant Major House Dust Mite Allergen Der p1 to Sensitization toward IgE and IgG Responses

The major proteolytic allergen derived from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p1, is one of the most clinically relevant allergens worldwide. In the present study, we evaluate the contribution of the proteolytic activity and structure of a highly purified rDer p 1 to immune responses. Mice were i.p. immunized with three forms of rDer p 1 adsorbed to Alum: one enzymatically active, one treated with an irreversible cysteine protease-specific inhibitor, E-64, and one heat denatured. Immunization with E-64-treated or heat-denatured rDer p 1 elicited much less production of serum total IgE and not only rDer p 1-specific IgE but also IgGs compared with immunization with active rDer p 1. Assays for Ab-binding and its inhibition and structural analyses indicated that E-64-treated rDer p 1 retained its global structure and conformational B cell epitopes. A proliferative response and production of IL-5 by spleen cells restimulated with rDer p 1 were observed on immunization with the active rDer p 1 but not E-64-treated rDer p 1. The cells from mice immunized with heat-denatured rDer p 1 exhibited the highest levels of proliferation and production of IL-5 and IFN-gamma. The results indicate that the proteolytic activity of the highly purified rDer p 1 crucially commits to the sensitization process, including both IgE and IgG responses. Additionally, we demonstrated immunogenic differences by functional or structural manipulations of the rDer p 1. The findings have implications for sensitization to this relevant allergen in humans and for the design of modified allergen-vaccines for future allergen-specific immunotherapy.

The house dust mite allergen Der p 1, unlike Der p 3, stimulates the expression of interleukin-8 in human airway epithelial cells via a proteinase-activated receptor-2-independent mechanism

We investigated and compared the mechanisms by which two dust mite proteolytic allergens, Der p 1 and Der p 3, and a peptide agonist of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR(2)AP) trigger interleukin (IL)-8 release from human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549). Although all three stimuli tested induced the up-regulation of IL-8 (mRNA and protein), the Der p 1-mediated signaling events did not exactly match those induced by PAR(2)AP and Der p 3. First, Der p 1 was less effective in stimulating IL-8 gene transcriptional activity than PAR(2)AP and Der p 3. Second, Der p 1-mediated IL-8 expression was mainly dependent on NF-kappaB, whereas Der p 3 and PAR(2)AP regulated IL-8 expression through the activation of both NF-kappaB and AP-1. Third, although all three MAP kinases, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK, were activated, Der p 1 induced IL-8 release exclusively via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, whereas PAR(2)AP and Der p 3 also involved the other kinases. Fourth, in HeLa cells, Der p 1 was able to up-regulate IL-8 secretion independent of PAR(2) expression, and in contrast with PAR(2)AP and Der p 3, Der p 1 was unable to affect calcium signaling via PAR(2) in PAR(2)-expressing KNRK cells. Finally, cleavage by Der p 1 of a synthetic peptide representing the N-terminal activation-cleavage site of PAR(2) did not release a high potency activator of PAR(2) as does Der p 3. We conclude that Der p 1 (but not Der p 3)-induced IL-8 production in A549 epithelial cells is independent of PAR(2) activation.

Secretory products from infective forms of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis induce a rapid allergic airway inflammatory response

Allergic asthma is responsible for widespread morbidity and mortality and its incidence has increased dramatically in industrialized countries over the past two decades. Here, we describe a new murine model of allergic asthma utilizing a novel allergen with intrinsic enzymatic activity similar to that reported for many environmental allergens. The allergen, NES, is excreted and secreted from the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and can readily be isolated from in vitro parasite cultures. When NES is administered intranasally to presensitized mice, allergic airway disease develops, including airway hyper-responsiveness, airway eosinophilia, IgE antibody production and Th2 cytokine production. This disease is characteristic of atopic asthma and can be induced within 11 days, thus providing a platform for the rapid analysis of allergic disease and high throughput testing of immunomodulatory factors.

Recombinant Der p 1 and Der f 1 with in vitro enzymatic activity to cleave human CD23, CD25 and alpha1-antitrypsin, and in vivo IgE-eliciting activity in mice

BACKGROUND

The major house dust mite group 1 allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 are the most potent indoor allergens. Der p 1 cleaves human cell surface molecules, the low-affinity IgE receptor (CD23/FcepsilonRII), the alpha-subunit of the IL-2 receptor (CD25), and a protease inhibitor alpha1-antitrypsin, and in vitro and in vivo studies suggested the importance of its proteolytic activity in the pathogenesis of allergy. Recently, we established an efficient system to prepare correctly folded active recombinant Der p 1 and Der f 1 (Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q) with similar molecular sizes, secondary structures and allergenicities as their natural types. To evaluate whether Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q are suitable for use in future in vitro and in vivo studies as alternatives to the natural types, we investigate their proteolytic activity to cleave the human proteins and IgE-eliciting activity in mice.

METHODS

Proteolytic activities of Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q against a short peptide substrate, a collagen substrate Azocoll, human CD23 and CD25 expressed on the cells and human alpha1-antitrypsin were analyzed by kinetic assays for proteolysis of the fluorogenic or colorimetric substrates, flow cytometry and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. Mice were intraperitoneally immunized with Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q adsorbed on Alum, and the serum IgE levels were measured by sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q showed proteolytic specificities against the short peptide substrate, Azocoll, human cell surface CD23 and CD25 and human alpha1-antitrypsin, and elicited significant serum IgE levels in immunized mice.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant forms, Der p 1-N52Q and Der f 1-N53Q, will be useful tools as alternatives to the natural Der p 1 and Der f 1 for various in vitro and in vivo analyses.

Chemokine receptors: understanding their role in asthmatic disease

The incidence, prevalence, and severity of asthma have been increasing steadily in recent years. Prophylactic treatment of this disease and of episodic asthmatic flares is aimed at preventing excessive inflammation in lung tissue and airways. Because chemokines and chemokine receptors are critical mediators of leukocyte trafficking and recruitment, there is the potential to pharmaceutically target these proteins to regulate inflammation. Asthma-associated inflammation is characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils and T helper type 2 cells. Early studies investigated the role of chemokine receptors, which have been shown to predominate on these cell populations.

The biology of IGE and the basis of allergic disease

Allergic individuals exposed to minute quantities of allergen experience an immediate response. Immediate hypersensitivity reflects the permanent sensitization of mucosal mast cells by allergen-specific IgE antibodies bound to their high-affinity receptors (FcepsilonRI). A combination of factors contributes to such long-lasting sensitization of the mast cells. They include the homing of mast cells to mucosal tissues, the local synthesis of IgE, the induction of FcepsilonRI expression on mast cells by IgE, the consequent downregulation of FcgammaR (through an insufficiency of the common gamma-chains), and the exceptionally slow dissociation of IgE from FcepsilonRI. To understand the mechanism of the immediate hypersensitivity phenomenon, we need explanations of why IgE antibodies are synthesized in preference to IgG in mucosal tissues and why the IgE is so tenaciously retained on mast cell-surface receptors. There is now compelling evidence that the microenvironment of mucosal tissues of allergic disease favors class switching to IgE; and the exceptionally high affinity of IgE for FcepsilonRI can now be interpreted in terms of the recently determined crystal structures of IgE-FcepsilonRI and IgG-FcgammaR complexes. The rate of local IgE synthesis can easily compensate for the rate of the antibody dissociation from its receptors on mucosal mast cells. Effective mechanisms ensure that allergic reactions are confined to mucosal tissues, thereby minimizing the risk of systemic anaphylaxis.

Proteolytic activity of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 enhances allergenicity in a mouse inhalation model

BACKGROUND

We have recently demonstrated that intraperitoneal immunization of mice with proteolytically active Der p 1, the major house dust mite allergen, results in a significant and selective enhancement of total and Der p 1-specific IgE synthesis compared to mice immunized with proteolytically inactive Der p 1.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the proteolytic activity of Der p 1 would lead to enhanced inflammatory cellular infiltration of the lungs and systemic IgE production when administered through the respiratory system, which is the natural route of entry for this allergen.

METHODS

Groups of mice were initially sensitized with proteolytically active Der p 1 through the intraperitoneal and the subcutaneous routes and subsequently exposed intranasally to either proteolytically active Der p 1, inactive Der p 1 or PBS. The extent of cellular infiltration of the lungs and systemic IgE production in the three animal groups were then compared.

RESULTS

Here, we show for the first time that the administration of proteolytically active Der p 1 to mice through the intranasal route leads to significant inflammatory cellular infiltration of the lungs and systemic production of IgE.

CONCLUSIONS

These data underline the important role of the proteolytic activity of Der p 1 in driving the allergic response in the lungs.

Absence of immunoglobulin E synthesis and airway eosinophilia by vaccination with plasmid DNA encoding ProDer p 1

BACKGROUND

Various studies have shown that immunization with naked DNA encoding allergens induces T helper 1(Th1)-biased non-allergic responses.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the polarization of the immune responses induced by vaccinations with plasmid DNA encoding the major mite allergen precursor ProDer p 1.

METHODS

A DNA vaccine was constructed on the basis of a synthetic cDNA encoding ProDer p 1 with optimized codon usage. The immunogenicity of ProDer p 1 DNA in CBA/J mice was compared with that of purified natural Der p 1 or recombinant ProDer p 1 adjuvanted with alum. Vaccinated mice were subsequently exposed to aerosolized house dust mite extracts to provoke airway inflammation. The presence of inflammatory cells was examined in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and allergen-specific T cell reactivity was measured.

RESULTS

Naive mice immunized with ProDer p 1 DNA developed Th1 immune responses characterized by high titres of specific IgG2a antibodies, low titres of specific IgG1 and, remarkably, the absence of anti-ProDer p 1 IgE. No specific responses were observed in animals vaccinated with the blank DNA vector. By contrast, natural Der p 1 or recombinant ProDer p 1 adsorbed to alum induced pronounced Th2 allergic responses with strong specific IgG1 and IgE titres. Spleen cells from DNA ProDer p 1-vaccinated mice secreted high levels of IFN-gamma and low production of IL-5. Conversely, both adjuvanted allergens stimulated typical Th2-type cytokine profile characterized by high and low levels of IL-5 and IFN-gamma, respectively. Whereas BAL eosinophilia was clearly observed in Der p 1-immunized animals, ProDer p 1 DNA as well as ProDer p 1 vaccinations prevented airway eosinophil infiltrations.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that vaccination with DNA encoding ProDer p 1 effectively fails to induce the allergen-induced IgE synthesis and airway cell infiltration. Plasmid DNA encoding ProDer p 1 may provide a novel approach for the treatment of house dust mite allergy.