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Hoffmann, R. A wiki for the life sciences where authorship matters. Nature Genetics (2008)
 
 
 

Regulation and function of the interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 during a T helper cell type 2-dominant immune response.

Highly polarized type 2 cytokine responses can be harmful and even lethal to the host if they are too vigorous or persist too long. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms that down-regulate these reactions. Interleukin (IL)-13 has emerged as a central mediator of T helper cell (Th)2-dominant immune responses, exhibiting a diverse array of functional activities including regulation of airway hyperreactivity, resistance to nematode parasites, and tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Here, we show that IL-13 receptor (R)alpha2 is a critical down-regulatory factor of IL-13-mediated tissue fibrosis induced by the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni. IL-13Ralpha2 expression was induced after the onset of the fibrotic response, IL-10, IL-13, and Stat6 dependent, and inhibited by the Th1-inducing adjuvant IL-12. Strikingly, schistosome-infected C57BL/6 and BALB/c IL-13Ralpha2-deficient mice showed a marked exacerbation in hepatic fibrosis, despite displaying no change in granuloma size, tissue eosinophilia, or mastocytosis. Fibrosis increased despite the fact that IL-13 levels decreased significantly in the liver and serum. Importantly, pathology was prevented when IL-13Ralpha2-deficient mice were treated with a soluble IL-13Ralpha2-Fc construct, formally demonstrating that their exacerbated fibrotic response was due to heightened IL-13 activity. Together, these studies illustrate the central role played by the IL-13Ralpha2 in the down-regulation of a chronic and pathogenic Th2-mediated immune response.[1]

References

  1. Regulation and function of the interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 during a T helper cell type 2-dominant immune response. Chiaramonte, M.G., Mentink-Kane, M., Jacobson, B.A., Cheever, A.W., Whitters, M.J., Goad, M.E., Wong, A., Collins, M., Donaldson, D.D., Grusby, M.J., Wynn, T.A. J. Exp. Med. (2003) [Pubmed]
 
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