The USP7-STAT3-granzyme-Par-1 axis regulates allergic inflammation by promoting differentiation of IL-5-producing Th2 cells

Abstract

Uncontrolled type 2 immunity by type 2 helper T (Th2) cells causes intractable allergic diseases; however, whether the interaction of CD4⁺ T cells shapes the pathophysiology of allergic diseases remains unclear. We identified a subset of Th2 cells that produced the serine proteases granzyme A and B early in differentiation. Granzymes cleave protease-activated receptor (Par)-1 and induce phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), resulting in the enhanced production of IL-5 and IL-13 in both mouse and human Th2 cells. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) regulates IL-4-induced phosphorylation of STAT3, resulting in granzyme production during Th2 cell differentiation. Genetic deletion of Usp7 or Gzma and pharmacological blockade of granzyme B ameliorated allergic airway inflammation. Furthermore, PAR-1⁺ and granzyme⁺ Th2 cells were colocalized in nasal polyps from patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Thus, the USP7-STAT3-granzymes-Par-1 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for intractable allergic diseases.

Keywords: asthma, intractable allergic disease; granzyme; pathogenic Th2 cell; signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)3; ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7).