Depletion of CD56+CD3+ invariant natural killer T cells prevents allergen-induced inflammation in humanized mice

Abstract

Background: CD56-expressing natural killer (NK) cells as well as invariant NK T (iNKT) cells have been shown to either promote or inhibit allergic immune responses.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of these cells in a recently developed humanized mouse model of allergen-induced IgE-dependent gut and lung inflammation.

Methods: Nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency γ-chain knockout mice were injected intraperitoneally with human PBMCs or CD56-depleted (CD56^neg) PBMCs from highly sensitized donors with birch or grass pollen allergy together with the respective allergen or with NaCl as a control. Three weeks later, the mice were challenged with the allergen rectally and gut inflammation was monitored by video miniendoscopy and by histology. Furthermore, airway inflammation was measured after an additional intranasal allergen challenge.

Results: Allergen-specific human IgE in mouse sera, detectable only after coinjection of the respective allergen, was reduced in mice being injected with CD56^neg PBMCs compared with in mice receiving nondepleted PBMCs. Consequently, allergen-induced IgE-dependent colitis, airway hyperreactivity, and mucus-producing goblet cells were significantly inhibited in these mice. Interestingly, reconstitution of CD56^neg PBMCs with nondepleted CD56⁺ cells and with CD56⁺CD3⁺ iNKT cells restored gut as well as lung inflammation, whereas addition of CD3-depleted CD56⁺ cells did not.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that allergen-specific gut and lung inflammation in PBMC-engrafted humanized mice is promoted by CD56⁺CD3⁺ iNKT cells, which opens new possibilities of therapeutic intervention in allergic diseases.

Keywords: Humanized mice; IgE; allergy; colon; invariant natural killer T cells; lung; natural killer cells.