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Resident tissue macrophages (RTMs) are differentiated immune cells that populate distinct niches and exert important tissue-supportive functions. RTM maintenance is thought to rely either on differentiation from monocytes or on RTM self-renewal. Here, we used a mouse model of inducible lung interstitial macrophage (IM) niche depletion and refilling to investigate the development of IMs in vivo. Using time-course single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses, bone marrow chimeras and gene targeting, we found that engrafted Ly6C+ classical monocytes proliferated locally in a Csf1 receptor-dependent manner before differentiating into IMs. The transition from monocyte proliferation toward IM subset specification was controlled by the transcription factor MafB, while c-Maf specifically regulated the identity of the CD206+ IM subset. Our data provide evidence that, in the mononuclear phagocyte system, the ability to proliferate is not merely restricted to myeloid progenitor cells and mature RTMs but is also a tightly regulated capability of monocytes developing into RTMs in vivo.

ObjectiveDespite being in sustained and stable remission, patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) stopping anti-tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) show a high rate of relapse (~50% within 2 years). Characterising non-invasively the biological profiles of those patients is needed to better guide the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.DesignNinety-two immune-related proteins were measured by proximity extension assay in serum of patients with CD (n=102) in sustained steroid-free remission and stopping anti-TNFα (infliximab). As previously shown, a stratification based on time to clinical relapse was used to characterise the distinct biological profiles of relapsers (short-term relapsers: 6 months). Associations between protein levels and time to clinical relapse were determined by univariable Cox model.ResultsThe risk (HR) of mid/long-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in lymphocytes (LAG3, SH2B3, SIT1; HR: 2.2–4.5; pConclusionWe identified distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with CD stopping infliximab. These findings constitute an advance for the development of non-invasive biomarkers guiding the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are functionally important innate cells involved in lung homeostasis and immunity and whose diversity in health and disease is a subject of intense investigations. Yet, it remains unclear to what extent conditions like smoking or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) trigger changes in the AM compartment. Here, we aimed to explore heterogeneity of human AMs isolated from healthy nonsmokers, smokers without COPD, and smokers with COPD by analyzing BAL fluid cells by flow cytometry and bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. We found that subpopulations of BAL fluid CD206

Parasitic helminths induce the production of interleukin (IL)-4 which causes the expansion of virtual memory CD8+ T cells (Tvm), a cell subset contributing to the control of viral coinfection. However, the mechanisms regulating IL-4-dependent Tvm activation and expansion during worm infection remain ill defined. We used single-cell RNA sequencing of CD8+ T cells to investigate IL-4-dependent Tvm responses upon helminth infection in mice. Gene signature analysis of CD8+ T cells identified a cell cluster marked by CD22, a canonical regulator of B cell activation, as a specific and selective surface marker of IL-4-induced Tvm cells. CD22+ Tvm were enriched for IFN-γ and granzyme A and retained a diverse TCR repertoire, while enriched in CDR3 sequences with features of self-reactivity. Deletion of CD22 expression in CD8+ T cells enhanced Tvm responses to helminth infection, indicating that this inhibitory receptor modulates Tvm responses. Thus, helminth-induced IL-4 drives the expansion and activation of self-reactive Tvm in the periphery that is counter-inhibited by CD22.

Immunological dysregulation in asthma is associated with changes in exposure to microorganisms early in life. Gammaherpesviruses (γHVs), such as Epstein-Barr virus, are widespread human viruses that establish lifelong infection and profoundly shape host immunity. Using murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4), a mouse γHV, we show that after infection, lung-resident and recruited group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) exhibit a reduced ability to expand and produce type 2 cytokines in response to house dust mites, thereby contributing to protection against asthma. In contrast, MuHV-4 infection triggers GM-CSF production by those lung ILC2s, which orders the differentiation of monocytes (Mos) into alveolar macrophages (AMs) without promoting their type 2 functions. In the context of γHV infection, ILC2s are therefore essential cells within the pulmonary niche that imprint the tissue-specific identity of Mo-derived AMs and shape their function well beyond the initial acute infection.

In severe Covid-19, hyperinflammatory tissue-damaging, thromboembolic or immunothrombotic responses triggered by Sars-Cov-2 are major causes of respiratory failure and death. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETS), released by activated neutrophils during a process called NETosis, can be formed in the lungs upon infection with respiratory viruses. They have the ability to promote lung damage, thrombosis and fibrosis, three cardinal features encountered in severe Covid-19. In a recent study, we sought to understand how NETosis could relate to lung immunopathological changes associated with fatal cases of the disease. We assessed whether NET structures could be identified in post-mortem lung biopsies from Covid-19 patients, and whether they were located in particular lesions and micro-anatomical lung compartments. We performed immunofluorescence staining of myeloperoxi-dase, citrullinated histone H3 and nuclear acid (DAPI) on sections of paraffin-embedded lung biopsies from four Covid-19 patients who succumbed Covid-19 and from four patients who died from a Covid-19-unrelated cause. The four patients represented prototypical severe and fatal cases of Covid-19, characterized by pneumonia and fatal respiratory distress associated with signs of systemic inflammation, neutrophilia and coagulopathy. NETs were uniquely detected in the lungs of each Covid-19 patient. Detailed histopathological analysis revealed widely distributed NET-infiltrating areas encompassing several lung compartments, including arteriolar microthrombi, neutrophil-rich inflammatory areas of lung interstitium as well as alveoli or bronchioles where they often co-localized with occluding fibrin-rich deposits. Another study published simultaneously to ours provides first experimental evidence for causality between NETosis and lung injury in severe Covid-19. However, the possible involvement of NETs in thrombogenesis remains to be addressed. Notwithstanding, these data support the hypothesis that NETs may represent drivers of Covid-19-associated severe pulmonary complications, and suggest that NET-targeting approaches could represent potential avenues for the treatment of uncontrolled tissue-damaging, thrombotic or fibrotic responses to Sars-Cov-2.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have the ability to regulate many aspects of asthma pathology. NETs can be detected either in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) or in lung biopsies. Here, we describe methods to quantify NETs in BALF, namely the quantification of cell-free DNA, or of myeloperoxidase (MPO) or neutrophil elastase (NE) complexed with cell-free DNA. We also explain how to detect NETs in lung biopsies by two distinct techniques. The first technique is based on quantification of the citrullinated form of histone 3 (Cit-H3 , a specific component of NET) by western blot on tissue protein extracts. The second technique is based on the visualization of extracellular structures composed of MPO co-localizing with Cit-H3 in tissue sections by confocal microscopy. Finally, we describe a method allowing for quantification of NET volume in lung sections.

Monocyte-derived macrophages (Mφs) are crucial regulators during muscularis inflammation. However, it is unclear which micro-environmental factors are responsible for monocyte recruitment and anti-inflammatory Mφ differentiation in this paradigm. Here, we investigate Mφ heterogeneity at different stages of muscularis inflammation and determine how environmental cues can attract and activate tissue-protective Mφs. Results showed that muscularis inflammation induced marked alterations in mononuclear phagocyte populations associated with a rapid infiltration of Ly6c+ monocytes that locally acquired unique transcriptional states. Trajectory inference analysis revealed two main pro-resolving Mφ subpopulations during the resolution of muscularis inflammation, i.e. Cd206+ MhcIIhi and Timp2+ MhcIIlo Mφs. Interestingly, we found that damage to the micro-environment upon muscularis inflammation resulted in EGC activation, which in turn stimulated monocyte infiltration and the consequent differentiation in anti-inflammatory CD206+ Mφs via CCL2 and CSF1, respectively. In addition, CSF1-CSF1R signaling was shown to be essential for the differentiation of monocytes into CD206+ Mφs and EGC proliferation during muscularis inflammation. Our study provides a comprehensive insight into pro-resolving Mφ differentiation and their regulators during muscularis inflammation. We deepened our understanding in the interaction between EGCs and Mφs, thereby highlighting pro-resolving Mφ differentiation as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of intestinal inflammation. ispartof: MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY vol:15 issue:6 pages:1296-1308 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) contribute to the regulation of intestinal homeostasis and inflammation through their interactions with the environment and host immune responses. Yet our understanding of IEC-intrinsic regulatory pathways remains incomplete. Here, we identify the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RABGEF1 as a regulator of intestinal homeostasis and innate pathways dependent on IECs. Mice with IEC-specific Rabgef1 deletion (called Rabgef1IEC-KO mice) developed a delayed spontaneous colitis associated with the local upregulation of IEC chemokine expression. In mouse models of colitis based on Interleukin-10 deficiency or dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) exposure, we found that IEC-intrinsic RABGEF1 deficiency exacerbated development of intestinal pathology and dysregulated IEC innate pathways and chemokine expression. Mechanistically, we showed that RABGEF1 deficiency in mouse IECs in vitro was associated with an impairment of early endocytic events, an increased activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway, and increased chemokine secretion. Moreover, we provided evidence that the development of spontaneous colitis was dependent on microbiota-derived signals and intrinsic MYD88-dependent pathways in vivo. Our study identifies mouse RABGEF1 as an important regulator of intestinal inflammation, MYD88-dependent IEC-intrinsic signaling, and chemokine production. This suggests that RABGEF1-dependent pathways represent interesting therapeutic targets for inflammatory conditions in the gut.

International audience; Allergic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, are clinically characterized by severe itching and type 2 immunity-associated hypersensitivity to widely distributed allergens, including those derived from house dust mites (HDMs). Here we found that HDMs with cysteine protease activity directly activated peptidergic nociceptors, which are neuropeptide-producing nociceptive sensory neurons that express the ion channel TRPV1 and Tac1, the gene encoding the precursor for the neuropeptide substance P. Intravital imaging and genetic approaches indicated that HDM-activated nociceptors drive the development of allergic skin inflammation by inducing the degranulation of mast cells contiguous to such nociceptors, through the release of substance P and the activation of the cationic molecule receptor MRGPRB2 on mast cells. These data indicate that, after exposure to HDM allergens, activation of TRPV1+Tac1+ nociceptor–MRGPRB2+ mast cell sensory clusters represents a key early event in the development of allergic skin reactions.

Low exposure to microbial products, respiratory viral infections and air pollution are major risk factors for allergic asthma, yet the mechanistic links between such conditions and host susceptibility to type 2 allergic disorders remain unclear. Through the use of single-cell RNA sequencing, we characterized lung neutrophils in mice exposed to a pro-allergic low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a protective high dose of LPS before exposure to house dust mites. Unlike exposure to a high dose of LPS, exposure to a low dose of LPS instructed recruited neutrophils to upregulate their expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and to release neutrophil extracellular traps. Low-dose LPS–induced neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps potentiated the uptake of house dust mites by CD11b+Ly-6C+ dendritic cells and type 2 allergic airway inflammation in response to house dust mites. Neutrophil extracellular traps derived from CXCR4hi neutrophils were also needed to mediate allergic asthma triggered by infection with influenza virus or exposure to ozone. Our study indicates that apparently unrelated environmental risk factors can shape recruited lung neutrophils to promote the initiation of allergic asthma. Marichal and colleagues show that lung neutrophils in mice exposed to three distinct pro-allergic conditions release neutrophil extracellular traps that potentiate allergen uptake by dendritic cells and type 2 allergic inflammation.

International audience; Background: In contrast to their clearly defined roles in allergic diseases, the physiologic functions of Immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgEs) and mast cells (MCs) remain enigmatic. Recent research supports the toxin hypothesis, showing that MCs and IgE-related type 2 immune responses can enhance host defense against certain noxious substances, including honeybee venom (BV). However, the mechanisms by which MCs can interfere with BV toxicity are unknown. In this study, we assessed the role of IgE and certain MC products in MC-mediated BV detoxification.Methods: We applied in vitro and in vivo fluorescence microscopyimaging, and flow cytometry, fibroblast-based toxicity assays and mass spectrometry to investigate IgE-mediated detoxification of BV cytotoxicity by mouse and human MCs in vitro. Pharmacologic strategies to interfere with MC-derived heparin and proteases helped to define the importance of specific detoxification mechanisms.Results: Venom-specific IgE increased the degranulation and cytokine responses of MCs to BV in vitro. Passive serum sensitization enhanced MC degranulation in vivo. IgE-activated mouse or human MCs exhibited enhanced potential for detoxifying BV by both proteolytic degradation and heparin-related interference with toxicity. Mediators released by IgE-activated human MCs efficiently degraded multiple BV toxins.Conclusions: Our results both reveal that IgE sensitization enhances the MC's ability to detoxify BV and also assign efficient toxin-neutralizing activity to MC-derived heparin and proteases. Our study thus highlights the potential importance of IgE, MCs, and particular MC products in defense against BV.

Neutrophils are one of the first innate immune cells recruited to tissues during inflammation. An important function of neutrophils relies on their ability to release extracellular structures, known as Neutrophil Extracellular Traps or NETs, into their environment. Detecting such NETs in humans has often proven challenging for both biological fluids and tissues; however, this can be achieved by quantitating NET components (e.g., DNA or granule/histone proteins) or by directly visualizing them by microscopy, respectively. Direct visualization by confocal microscopy is preferably performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections stained with a fluorescent DNA dye and antibodies directed against myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone 3 (Cit-H3), two components of NETs, following paraffin removal, antigen retrieval, and permeabilization. NETs are defined as extracellular structures that stain double-positive for MPO and Cit-H3. Here, we propose a novel software-based objective method for NET volume quantitation in tissue sections based on the measurement of the volume of structures exhibiting co-localization of Cit-H3 and MPO outside the cell. Such a technique not only allows the unambiguous identification of NETs in tissue sections but also their quantitation and relationship with surrounding tissues. Graphic abstract: [Image: see text] Graphical representation of the methodology used to stain and quantitate NETs in human lung tissue.

International audience; Allergies are considered to represent mal-directed type 2 immune responses against mostly innocuous exogenous compounds. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are a characteristic feature of allergies and mediate hypersensitivity against allergens through activation of effector cells, particularly mast cells (MCs). Although the physiological functions of this dangerous branch of immunity have remained enigmatic, recent evidence shows that allergic immune reactions can help to protect against the toxicity of venoms. Because bacteria are a potent alternative source of toxins, we assessed the possible role of allergy-like type 2 immunity in antibacterial host defense. We discovered that the adaptive immune response against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) skin infection substantially improved systemic host defense against secondary SA infections in mice. Moreover, this acquired protection depended on IgE effector mechanisms and MCs. Importantly, our results reveal a previously unknown physiological function of allergic immune responses, IgE antibodies, and MCs in host defense against a pathogenic bacterium.

Physicians think of mast cells and IgE primarily in the context of allergic disorders, including fatal anaphylaxis. This 'bad side' of mast cells and IgE is so well accepted that it can be difficult to think of them in other contexts, particularly those in which they may have beneficial functions. However, there is evidence that mast cells and IgE, as well as basophils (circulating granulocytes whose functions partially overlap with those of mast cells), can contribute to host defense as components of adaptive type 2 immune responses to helminths, ticks and certain other parasites. Accordingly, allergies often are conceptualized as "misdirected" type 2 immune responses, in which IgE antibodies are produced against any of a diverse group of apparently harmless antigens, and against components of animal venoms. Indeed, certain unfortunate patients who have become sensitized to venoms develop severe IgE-associated allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis, upon subsequent venom exposure. In this review, we will describe evidence that mast cells can enhance innate resistance, and survival, to challenge with reptile or arthropod venoms during a first exposure to such venoms. We also will discuss findings indicating that, in mice surviving an initial encounter with venom, acquired type 2 immune responses, IgE antibodies, the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI), and mast cells can contribute to acquired resistance to the lethal effects of both honeybee venom and Russell's viper venom. These findings support the hypothesis that mast cells and IgE can help protect the host against venoms and perhaps other noxious substances.

International audience; Gain-of-function mutations in NLRP3 are responsible for a spectrum of autoinflammatory diseases collectively referred to as “cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes” (CAPS). Treatment of CAPS patients with IL-1–targeted therapies is effective, confirming a central pathogenic role for IL-1β. However, the specific myeloid cell population(s) exhibiting inflammasome activity and sustained IL-1β production in CAPS remains elusive. Previous reports suggested an important role for mast cells (MCs) in this process. Here, we report that, in mice, gain-of-function mutations in Nlrp3 restricted to neutrophils, and to a lesser extent macrophages/dendritic cells, but not MCs, are sufficient to trigger severe CAPS. Furthermore, in patients with clinically established CAPS, we show that skin-infiltrating neutrophils represent a substantial biological source of IL-1β. Together, our data indicate that neutrophils, rather than MCs, can represent the main cellular drivers of CAPS pathology.

The contribution of neutrophils to asthma pathogenesis has been mainly studied in the context of non-allergic neutrophilic asthma. However, neutrophils can also be rapidly recruited and are largely present in the airways of allergic eosinophilic asthmatic patients. Under these circumstances, they possess specific phenotypic features distinguishing them from resting blood neutrophils and are endowed with particular functions. The exact contribution of neutrophils to allergic asthma pathogenesis is still unclear, but growing experimental evidence supports the ability of neutrophils or neutrophil-derived products to influence the underlying allergic type 2 immune response and cardinal features of allergic asthma, thus shedding new light on neutrophil biology and functions in an allergic context.

The lung endothelial cell–derived angiocrine Rspondin3 activates Wnt–β-catenin signaling in interstitial macrophages, leading to a metabolic–epigenetic reprogramming of interstitial macrophages that drives anti-inflammatory responses and attenuates endotoxin-induced lung injury.

INTRODUCTION Resident tissue macrophages (RTMs) are a heterogeneous population of immune cells occupying multiple tissue niches and exhibiting microenvironment-specific phenotypes and functions. In certain tissues such as the brain, lung, and liver, embryonically derived RTMs maintain themselves by self-renewal, whereas others, including those in the gut, dermis, and pancreas, are replaced by monocytes, at levels that are tissue specific. Once they arrive in their tissue of residence, monocytes undergo extensive differentiation according to molecular cues provided by their distinct tissue-specific niches, enabling their development into specialized RTMs that support local tissue function. RATIONALE As a result of this ontogenetic and tissue niche heterogeneity, each tissue contains multiple populations of macrophages. For example, in the murine lung, alveolar macrophages are the major embryonically derived population in the alveolar spaces, whereas a minor population named interstitial macrophages (IMs) resides within the lung parenchyma. Previous results reported several phenotypically distinct IM subpopulations, whose relationship remained unknown. Do they represent independent populations or, rather, different points on the spectrum of maturation and activation states? How do these differences relate to their localization in tissue or roles in tissue function in health and disease? Does such macrophage heterogeneity also exist in other tissues? RESULTS Here, using single-cell mRNA sequencing, we unbiasedly identified two independent populations exhibiting distinct gene expression profiles and phenotypes: Lyve1loMHCIIhiCX3CR1hi (Lyve1loMHCIIhi) and Lyve1hiMHCIIloCX3CR1lo (Lyve1hiMHCIIlo) RTMs. We uncovered evidence of parallel populations in multiple others tissues, including the heart, fat, and dermis, as well as in human lung and omental and subcutaneous fat tissues, suggesting that a similar dichotomy is observed in human tissues. We further demonstrated that both populations are slowly replaced by Ly6Chi monocytes. Importantly, using complementary fate-mapping models, we showed that monocyte-derived RTMs (MRTMs) are two separate lineages, rather than representing points along a developmental or maturation continuum. Notably, these distinct MRTM populations preferentially reside within different, but conserved, subtissular niches, located either adjacent to nerve bundles and fibers (Lyve1loMHCIIhi) or blood vessels (Lyve1hiMHCIIlo) across tissues. Finally, by acutely depleting Lyve1hiMHCIIlo MRTMs using a mouse model of inducible macrophage depletion during the induction of fibrosis, we found that the absence of Lyve1hiMHCIIlo IMs exacerbated experimental lung and heart fibrosis, demonstrating their critical role in tissue inflammation. CONCLUSION Two independent MRTMs populations exist across tissues with specific niche-dependent phenotype and functional programming. Their different roles in homeostasis, immune regulation, and fibrosis renders them attractive and separate cellular targets for the therapeutic exploitation of RTM subsets.

International audience; Epidermal keratinocytes form a structural and immune barrier that is essential for skin homeostasis. However, the mechanisms that regulate epidermal barrier function are incompletely understood. Here we have found that keratinocyte-specific deletion of the gene encoding RAB guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (RABGEF1, also known as RABEX-5) severely impairs epidermal barrier function in mice and induces an allergic cutaneous and systemic phenotype. RABGEF1-deficient keratinocytes exhibited aberrant activation of the intrinsic IL-1R/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and MYD88-dependent abnormalities in expression of structural proteins that contribute to skin barrier function. Moreover, ablation of MYD88 signaling in RABGEF1-deficient keratinocytes or deletion of Il1r1 restored skin homeostasis and prevented development of skin inflammation. We further demonstrated that epidermal RABGEF1 expression is reduced in skin lesions of humans diagnosed with either atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis as well as in an inducible mouse model of allergic dermatitis. Our findings reveal a key role for RABGEF1 in dampening keratinocyte-intrinsic MYD88 signaling and sustaining epidermal barrier function in mice, and suggest that dysregulation of RABGEF1 expression may contribute to epidermal barrier dysfunction in allergic skin disorders in mice and humans. Thus, RABGEF1-mediated regulation of IL-1R/MYD88 signaling might represent a potential therapeutic target.

Very few transcription factors have been identified that are required by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to induce T helper type 2 (Th2) responses. Because lung CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells (CD11b+ cDCs) are responsible for priming Th2 responses in house-dust mite (HDM)-induced airway allergy, we used them as a model to identify transcriptional events regulating the pro-Th2 activity of cDCs. Transcriptomic profiling of lung CD11b+ cDCs exposed to HDM in vivo revealed first that HDM triggers an antiviral defence-like response, and second that the majority of HDM-induced transcriptional changes depend on the transcription factor Interferon Response Factor-3 (Irf3). Validating the functional relevance of these observations, Irf3-deficient CD11b+ cDCs displayed reduced pro-allergic activity. Indeed, Irf3-deficient CD11b+ cDCs induced less Th2, more regulatory T cell, and similar Th1 differentiation in naive CD4+ T cells compared to their wild-type counterparts. The altered APC activity of Irf3 CD11b+ cDCs was associated with reduced expression of CD86 and was phenocopied by blocking CD86 activity in wild-type CD11b+ cDCs. Altogether, these results establish Irf3, known mostly for its role in antiviral responses, as a transcription factor involved in the induction of Th2 responses through the promotion of pro-Th2 costimulation in CD11b+ DCs.

Adjuvants improve the potency of vaccines, but the modes of action (MOAs) of most adjuvants are largely unknown. TLR-dependent and -independent innate immune signaling through the adaptor molecule MyD88 has been shown to be pivotal to the effects of most adjuvants; however, MyD88's involvement in the TLR-independent MOAs of adjuvants is poorly understood. Here, using the T-dependent antigen NIPOVA and a unique particulate adjuvant called synthetic hemozoin (sHZ), we show that MyD88 is required for early GC formation and enhanced antibody class-switch recombination (CSR) in mice. Using cell-type-specific MyD88 KO mice, we found that IgG2c class switching, but not IgG1 class switching, was controlled by B cell-intrinsic MyD88 signaling. Notably, IFN-γ produced by various cells including T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells was the primary cytokine for IgG2c CSR and B-cell intrinsic MyD88 is required for IFN-γ production. Moreover, IFN-γ receptor (IFNγR) deficiency abolished sHZ-induced IgG2c production, while recombinant IFN-γ administration successfully rescued IgG2c CSR impairment in mice lacking B-cell intrinsic MyD88. Together, our results show that B cell-intrinsic MyD88 signaling is involved in the MOA of certain particulate adjuvants and this may enhance our specific understanding of how adjuvants and vaccines work.

BackgroundAir pollution, including particulates and gazes such as ozone (O3), is detrimental for patient’s health and has repeatedly been correlated to increased morbidity and mortality in industrialised countries. Although studies have described a link between ambient particulate matter and increased lung cancer morbidity, no direct relation has yet been established between O3 exposure and metastatic dissemination to lungs.ObjectivesTo outline the mechanisms through which pulmonary O3 exposure modulates metastasis kinetics in an experimental mouse model of O3 exposure.MethodsMetastatic responses to pulmonary O3 exposure were assessed using a reliable experimental mouse model of concomitant pulmonary O3 exposure and tumour cell injection. Roles of neutrophils in O3-induced lung metastasis were highlighted using blocking anti-Ly6G antibodies; moreover, the implication of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in metastatic processes was evaluated using MRP8cre-Pad4lox/lox mice or by treating mice with DNase I.ResultsPulmonary O3 exposure strongly facilitates the establishment of lung metastasis by (1) Inducing a pulmonary injury and neutrophilic inflammation, (2) Influencing very early steps of metastasis, (3) Priming neutrophils’ phenotype to release NETs that favour tumour cell colonisation in lungs. The ability of O3-primed neutrophils to enhance lung colonisation by tumour cells was proven after their adoptive transfer in Balb/c mice unexposed to O3.ConclusionsPulmonary neutrophils induced by O3 promote metastatic dissemination to lungs by producing NETs. These findings open new perspectives to improve treatment and prevention strategies in patients affected by metastatic diseases.

Lung macrophages have mostly been studied considering only their most accessible and well-defined representative, the alveolar macrophage (AM). In contrast, the identity and putative immune functions of their tissue counterpart, the interstitial macrophage (IM), have long remained much more elusive. Yet, recent evidence supports the notion that IMs perform important immune functions in the lung, notably in terms of innate immunoregulation. Here, we review current knowledge on the phenotype, ontogeny and function of IMs and propose strategies for the unambiguous identification and study of this important and dynamic lung innate immune cell population.

Respiratory viral infections represent the most common cause of allergic asthma exacerbations. Amplification of the type-2 immune response is strongly implicated in asthma exacerbation, but how virus infection boosts type-2 responses is poorly understood. We report a significant correlation between the release of host double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) following rhinovirus infection and the exacerbation of type-2 allergic inflammation in humans. In a mouse model of allergic airway hypersensitivity, we show that rhinovirus infection triggers dsDNA release associated with the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), known as NETosis. We further demonstrate that inhibiting NETosis by blocking neutrophil elastase or by degrading NETs with DNase protects mice from type-2 immunopathology. Furthermore, the injection of mouse genomic DNA alone is sufficient to recapitulate many features of rhinovirus-induced type-2 immune responses and asthma pathology. Thus, NETosis and its associated extracellular dsDNA contribute to the pathogenesis and may represent potential therapeutic targets of rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations.

Background Conflicting results have been obtained regarding the roles of Fc receptors and effector cells in models of active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA). In part, this might reflect the choice of adjuvant used during sensitization because various adjuvants might differentially influence the production of particular antibody isotypes. Objective We developed an "adjuvant-free" mouse model of ASA and assessed the contributions of components of the "classical" and "alternative" pathways in this model. Methods Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin at weekly intervals for 6 weeks and challenged intraperitoneally with ovalbumin 2 weeks later. Results Wild-type animals had immediate hypothermia and late-phase intraperitoneal inflammation in this model. These features were reduced in mice lacking the IgE receptor FceRI, the IgG receptor FcγRIII or the common γ-chain FcRγ. FcγRIV blockade resulted in a partial reduction of inflammation without any effect on hypothermia. Depletion of monocytes/macrophages with clodronate liposomes significantly reduced the hypothermia response. By contrast, depletion of neutrophils or basophils had no significant effects in this ASA model. Both the hypothermia and inflammation were dependent on platelet-activating factor and histamine and were reduced in 2 types of mast cell (MC)–deficient mice. Finally, engraftment of MC-deficient mice with bone marrow–derived cultured MCs significantly exacerbated the hypothermia response and restored inflammation to levels similar to those observed in wild-type mice. Conclusion Components of the classical and alternative pathways contribute to anaphylaxis in this adjuvant-free model, with key roles for MCs and monocytes/macrophages.

Objective Gouty arthritis is caused by precipitation in joints of crystals of monosodium urate (MSU). While it has been reported that mast cells (MCs) infiltrate gouty tophi, little is known about the actual roles of MCs during acute attacks of gout. This study was undertaken to assess the role of MCs in a mouse model of MSU crystal-induced acute arthritis.

SummaryAllergies are widely considered to be misdirected type 2 immune responses, in which immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced against any of a broad range of seemingly harmless antigens. However, components of insect venoms also can sensitize individuals to develop severe IgE-associated allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis, upon subsequent venom exposure. We found that mice injected with amounts of honeybee venom similar to that which could be delivered in one or two stings developed a specific type 2 immune response that increased their resistance to subsequent challenge with potentially lethal amounts of the venom. Our data indicate that IgE antibodies and the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, were essential for such acquired resistance to honeybee venom. The evidence that IgE-dependent immune responses against venom can enhance survival in mice supports the hypothesis that IgE, which also contributes to allergic disorders, has an important function in protection of the host against noxious substances.

International audience; Living in a microbe-rich environment reduces the risk of developing asthma. Exposure of humans or mice to unmethylated CpG DNA (CpG) from bacteria reproduces these protective effects, suggesting a major contribution of CpG to microbe-induced asthma resistance. However, how CpG confers protection remains elusive. We found that exposure to CpG expanded regulatory lung interstitial macrophages (IMs) from monocytes infiltrating the lung or mobilized from the spleen. Trafficking of IM precursors to the lung was independent of CCR2, a chemokine receptor required for monocyte mobilization from the bone marrow. Using a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation, we found that adoptive transfer of IMs isolated from CpG-treated mice recapitulated the protective effects of CpG when administered before allergen sensitization or challenge. IM-mediated protection was dependent on IL-10, given that Il10(-/-) CpG-induced IMs lacked regulatory effects. Thus, the expansion of regulatory lung IMs upon exposure to CpG might underlie the reduced risk of asthma development associated with a microbe-rich environment.