Uncoordinated 119 preferentially induces Th2 differentiation and promotes the development of asthma

J Immunol. 2010 Apr 15;184(8):4488-96. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903115. Epub 2010 Mar 10.

Abstract

The Th2 bias is a hallmark of allergic diseases. In this study, we show that the Th1 versus Th2 balance and the development of allergic asthma are strongly affected by the signaling protein uncoordinated 119 (Unc119). The expression of this adaptor protein is significantly increased in Th2 cells. Unc119 activates the Src family and inhibits the Abl family of tyrosine kinases. The activated Src family kinase Lck stimulates the activity of Itk and the expression of the transcription factor JunB. As a result, Unc119 promotes IL-4 production. Through inhibition of Abl kinases, Unc119 dampens IFN-gamma production. Using adoptive transfer of Unc119-knockdown CD4 T cells, we show a critical role for Unc119 in the development of eosinophilic inflammation of airways, mucus production, and bronchial hyperreactivity in a mouse model. Intriguingly, the expression of the Unc119 protein is enhanced in CD4 T cells from patients with asthma. We speculate that the heightened expression of Unc119 promotes Th2, inhibits Th1 differentiation, and contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma in humans.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / biosynthesis
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / deficiency
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / physiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / immunology
  • Arthritis, Experimental / metabolism
  • Arthritis, Experimental / pathology
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Asthma / pathology*
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / metabolism
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Growth Inhibitors / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucus / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / cytology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Growth Inhibitors
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • UNC119 protein, human
  • Unc119 protein, mouse