Abstract | BACKGROUND: Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of the galectin family of lectins that exhibit binding affinity for β- galactosides. We found a T cell line-derived Gal-9 with novel eosinophil chemoattractant activity, but its role in eosinophilic inflammation of the lung is unknown. We evaluated the role of Gal-9 in Ascaris suum-induced eosinophilic lung inflammation in mice. METHODS: RESULTS: The BALF of this mouse model of eosinophilic pneumonia induced by the Ascaris suum antigen contained increased numbers of inflammatory cells and elevated Gal-9 levels. Compared with wild-type mice, the BALF of Gal-9-deficient mice contained higher numbers of both eosinophils and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. Th2 cytokines and eotaxin levels were also higher, and levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells were lower in Gal-9-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. Intranasal administration of recombinant Gal-9 prevented eosinophilic inflammation of the lung and upregulated the release of endogenous Gal-9. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Gal-9 negatively regulates Th2-mediated eosinophilic inflammation of the lung and that Foxp3+ regulatory T cells might be involved in suppressing allergic inflammation.
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Authors | Shigeki Katoh, Souichi Oomizu, Toshiro Niki, Hiroki Shimizu, Yasushi Obase, Masataka Korenaga, Mikio Oka, Mistuomi Hirashima |
Journal | International archives of allergy and immunology
(Int Arch Allergy Immunol)
Vol. 158 Suppl 1
Pg. 58-65
( 2012)
ISSN: 1423-0097 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 22627368
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Antigens, Helminth
- Cytokines
- Galectins
- Recombinant Proteins
- galectin 9, mouse
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antigens, Helminth
(immunology)
- Ascaris suum
(immunology)
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
(cytology, immunology)
- Cytokines
(immunology)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Eosinophilia
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Female
- Galectins
(genetics, immunology, therapeutic use)
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Pneumonia
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Recombinant Proteins
(therapeutic use)
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
(immunology)
- Th2 Cells
(immunology)
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