IL-33 mediates multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-induced airway hyper-reactivity via the mobilization of innate helper cells in the lung

Nanotoxicology. 2013 Sep;7(6):1070-81. doi: 10.3109/17435390.2012.702230. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway associated with bronchial obstruction, airway hyper-reactivity (AHR), and mucus production. The epithelium may direct and propagate asthmatic-like responses. Central to this theory is the observation that viruses, air pollution, and allergens promote epithelial damage and trigger the generation of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP via innate pathways such as TLRs and purinergic receptors. Similarly, engineered nanomaterials promote a Th2-associated pathophysiology. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that instillation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) impair pulmonary function in C57Bl/6 mice due to the development of IL-33-dependent Th2-associated inflammation. MWCNT exposure resulted in elevated levels of IL-33 in the lavage fluid (likely originating from airway epithelial cells), enhanced AHR, eosinophil recruitment, and production of Th2-associated cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, these events were dependent on IL-13 signaling and the IL-33/ST2 axis, but independent of T and B cells. Finally, MWCNT exposure resulted in the recruitment of innate lymphoid cells. Collectively, our data suggest that MWCNT induce epithelial damage that results in release of IL-33, which in turn promotes innate lymphoid cell recruitment and the development of IL-13-dependent inflammatory response.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Interleukin-13 / genetics
  • Interleukin-13 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Lung / cytology*
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / toxicity*
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / cytology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / physiology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / chemically induced*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / physiology

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Il33 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • RAG-1 protein