Goblet cell-derived resistin-like molecule beta augments CD4+ T cell production of IFN-gamma and infection-induced intestinal inflammation

J Immunol. 2008 Oct 1;181(7):4709-15. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.7.4709.

Abstract

The secreted goblet cell-derived protein resistin-like molecule beta (RELMbeta) has been implicated in divergent functions, including a direct effector function against parasitic helminths and a pathogenic function in promoting inflammation in models of colitis and ileitis. However, whether RELMbeta influences CD4(+) T cell responses in the intestine is unknown. Using a natural model of intestinal inflammation induced by chronic infection with gastrointestinal helminth Trichuris muris, we identify dual functions for RELMbeta in augmenting CD4(+) Th1 cell responses and promoting infection-induced intestinal inflammation. Following exposure to low-dose Trichuris, wild-type C57BL/6 mice exhibit persistent infection associated with robust IFN-gamma production and intestinal inflammation. In contrast, infected RELMbeta(-/-) mice exhibited a significantly reduced expression of parasite-specific CD4(+) T cell-derived IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and failed to develop Trichuris-induced intestinal inflammation. In in vitro T cell differentiation assays, recombinant RELMbeta activated macrophages to express MHC class II and secrete IL-12/23p40 and enhanced their ability to mediate Ag-specific IFN-gamma expression in CD4(+) T cells. Taken together, these data suggest that goblet cell-macrophage cross-talk, mediated in part by RELMbeta, can promote adaptive CD4(+) T cell responses and chronic inflammation following intestinal helminth infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / physiology
  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Goblet Cells / immunology*
  • Goblet Cells / metabolism
  • Hormones, Ectopic / genetics
  • Hormones, Ectopic / physiology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / immunology*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / metabolism
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / pathology*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Resistin / genetics
  • Resistin / physiology
  • Trichuriasis / immunology*
  • Trichuriasis / metabolism
  • Trichuriasis / pathology
  • Trichuris / immunology

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Hormones, Ectopic
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Resistin
  • Retnlb protein, mouse
  • Interferon-gamma