Epithelial STAT6 O-GlcNAcylation drives a concerted anti-helminth alarmin response dependent on tuft cell hyperplasia and Gasdermin C

Immunity. 2022 Apr 12;55(4):623-638.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.03.009. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

Abstract

The epithelium is an integral component of mucosal barrier and host immunity. Following helminth infection, the intestinal epithelial cells secrete "alarmin" cytokines, such as interleukin-25 (IL-25) and IL-33, to initiate the type 2 immune responses for helminth expulsion and tolerance. However, it is unknown how helminth infection and the resulting cytokine milieu drive epithelial remodeling and orchestrate alarmin secretion. Here, we report that epithelial O-linked N-Acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) protein modification was induced upon helminth infections. By modifying and activating the transcription factor STAT6, O-GlcNAc transferase promoted the transcription of lineage-defining Pou2f3 in tuft cell differentiation and IL-25 production. Meanwhile, STAT6 O-GlcNAcylation activated the expression of Gsdmc family genes. The membrane pore formed by GSDMC facilitated the unconventional secretion of IL-33. GSDMC-mediated IL-33 secretion was indispensable for effective anti-helminth immunity and contributed to induced intestinal inflammation. Protein O-GlcNAcylation can be harnessed for future treatment of type 2 inflammation-associated human diseases.

Keywords: Gasdermin; IL-10; IL-25; IL-33; O-GlcNAc; OGT; STAT6; Tuft cell; colitis; goblet cell.

MeSH terms

  • Acylation
  • Alarmins* / immunology
  • Anthelmintics / immunology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Helminthiasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-33
  • Intestinal Mucosa* / immunology
  • Mebendazole
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases / immunology
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / immunology

Substances

  • Alarmins
  • Anthelmintics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cytokines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GSDMC protein, human
  • Interleukin-33
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • STAT6 protein, human
  • Mebendazole
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases
  • O-GlcNAc transferase