A new RelB-dependent CD117+ CD172a+ murine DC subset preferentially induces Th2 differentiation and supports airway hyperresponses in vivo

Eur J Immunol. 2018 Jun;48(6):923-936. doi: 10.1002/eji.201747332. Epub 2018 Apr 6.

Abstract

The NF-κB transcription factor subunit RelB is important for the full activation of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) during T-cell-dependent immune responses. Although the number of splenic DCs is greatly reduced in RelBnull mice, the cause and consequences of this deficiency are currently unknown. To circumvent the impact of the pleiotropic defects in RelBnull mice we used a reporter model for RelB expression (RelBKatushka mice) and conditionally deleted RelB in DCs (RelBCD11c-Cre mice). Thereby, we can show here that RelB is essential for the differentiation of a CD117+ CD172a+ cDC subpopulation that highly expresses RelB. Surprisingly, these DCs depend on p50 for their development and are negatively regulated by a constitutive p52 activation in absence of p100. The absence of p52/p100 had no influence on the homeostasis of CD117+ CD172a+ cDCs. RelB-dependent CD117+ CD172a+ DCs strongly induce the production of the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, as well as GM-CSF from naïve Th cells. Consequently, mice lacking RelB in cDCs show an attenuated bronchial hyperresponsiveness with reduced eosinophil infiltration. Taken together, we have identified a new splenic RelB-dependent CD117+ CD172a+ cDC population that preferentially induces Th2 responses.

Keywords: Immune regulation; Lung inflammation; NF-κB pathway; Spleen; Th2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology*
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-kappa B p50 Subunit / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Transcription Factor RelB / genetics
  • Transcription Factor RelB / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • NF-kappa B p50 Subunit
  • Ptpns1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Relb protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factor RelB
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit