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The recognition of the immune system as a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) led to promising therapeutics. Because such therapies benefit only subsets of patients, understanding the activities of immune cells in the TME is required. Eosinophils are an integral part of the TME especially in mucosal tumors. Nonetheless, their role in the TME and the environmental cues that direct their activities are largely unknown. We report that breast cancer lung metastases are characterized by resident and recruited eosinophils. Eosinophil recruitment to the metastatic sites in the lung was regulated by G protein–coupled receptor signaling but independent of CCR3. Functionally, eosinophils promoted lymphocyte-mediated antitumor immunity. Transcriptome and proteomic analyses identified the TME rather than intrinsic differences between eosinophil subsets as a key instructing factor directing antitumorigenic eosinophil activities. Specifically, TNFα/IFNγ–activated eosinophils facilitated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration and promoted antitumor immunity. Collectively, we identify a mechanism by which the TME trains eosinophils to adopt antitumorigenic properties, which may lead to the development of eosinophil-targeted therapeutics. Significance: These findings demonstrate antitumor activities of eosinophils in the metastatic tumor microenvironment, suggesting that harnessing eosinophil activity may be a viable clinical strategy in patients with cancer.

Despite ongoing efforts to characterize the host response toward SARS-CoV-2, a major gap in our knowledge still exists regarding the magnitude and duration of the humoral response. Analysis of the antibody response in mild versus moderate/severe patients, using our new developed quantitative electrochemiluminescent assay for detecting IgM/IgA/IgG antibodies toward SARS-CoV-2 antigens, revealed a rapid onset of IgG/IgA antibodies, specifically in moderate/severe patients. IgM antibodies against the viral receptor binding domain, but not against nucleocapsid protein, were detected at early stages of the disease. Furthermore, we observed a marked reduction in IgM/IgA antibodies over-time. Adapting our assay for ACE2 binding-competition, demonstrated that the presence of potentially neutralizing antibodies is corelated with IgG/IgA. Finally, analysis of the cytokine profile in COVID-19 patients revealed unique correlation of an IL-12p70/IL33 and IgG seroconversion, which correlated with disease severity. In summary, our comprehensive analysis has major implications on the understanding and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Eosinophils are bone marrow-derived cells that differentiate in the bone marrow and migrate into the peripheral blood primarily under the regulation of interleukin (IL)-5. Despite the fact that eosinophils have been mostly studied in the context of allergic inflammatory diseases, eosinophils accumulate in multiple tumors. In fact, recent data highlight key anti-tumorigenic activities for eosinophils. Thus, developing simple assays that will dissect the interactions between eosinophils and tumor cells is important since these assays will provide tools to study eosinophils in the tumor microenvironment. In this chapter, we provide detailed methods for isolating eosinophils from Il5 transgenic mice. Furthermore, we provide methodology to assess eosinophil chemotaxis in response to tumor-secreted factors. Finally, we describe a co-culture system of eosinophils and tumor cells aimed to determine the cytotoxic capabilities of eosinophils.

Despite ongoing efforts to characterize the host response toward SARS-CoV-2, a major gap in our knowledge still exists regarding the magnitude and duration of the humoral response. We report the development of a rapid, highly specific and sensitive electrochemiluminescent assay for detecting IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies toward two distinct SARS-CoV-2 antigens namely, the receptor binding domain (RBD) and the nuclear protein (NP). Whereas IgM antibodies toward RBD were detected at early stages of the disease, IgM antibodies against NP did not develop. Analysis of the antibody response in mild versus moderate/severe patients revealed a rapid onset of IgG and IgA antibodies, specifically in moderate/severe patients. Finally, we observed a marked reduction in IgM/IgA antibodies and to lesser extent, IgG, over time. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the human antibody response, and has major implications on our understanding and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as finding effective vaccines.One Sentence SummaryUsing a newly developed assay to detect anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies we reveal a rapid onset of IgG and IgA antibodies towards distinct viral antigens, specifically in moderate/severe COVID-19 patients

Eosinophils are evolutionarily conserved, pleotropic cells that display key effector functions in allergic diseases, such as asthma. Nonetheless, eosinophils infiltrate multiple tumours and are equipped to regulate tumour progression either directly by interacting with tumour cells or indirectly by shaping the tumour microenvironment (TME). Eosinophils can readily respond to diverse stimuli and are capable of synthesizing and secreting a large range of molecules, including unique granule proteins that can potentially kill tumour cells. Alternatively, they can secrete pro-angiogenic and matrix-remodelling soluble mediators that could promote tumour growth. Herein, we aim to comprehensively outline basic eosinophil biology that is directly related to their activity in the TME. We discuss the mechanisms of eosinophil homing to the TME and examine their diverse pro-tumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions. Finally, we present emerging data regarding eosinophils as predictive biomarkers and effector cells in immunotherapy, especially in response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, and highlight outstanding questions for future basic and clinical cancer research.

Eosinophils and their associated cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 are emerging as central orchestrators of the immune-metabolic axis. Herein, we demonstrate that cross-talk between the Ig-superfamily receptor CD300f and IL-5 is a key checkpoint that modifies the ability of eosinophils to regulate metabolic outcomes. Generation of Il5 Tg /Cd300f−/− mice revealed marked and distinct increases in eosinophil levels and their production of IL-4 in the white and brown adipose tissues. Consequently, Il5 Tg /Cd300f−/− mice had increased alternatively activated macrophage accumulation in the adipose tissue. Cd300f−/− mice displayed age-related accumulation of eosinophils and macrophages in the adipose tissue and decreased adipose tissue weight, which was associated with decreased diet-induced weight gain and insulin resistance. Notably, Il5 Tg /CD300f−/− were protected from diet-induced weight gain and glucose intolerance. These findings highlight the cross-talk between IL-5 receptor and CD300f as a novel pathway regulating adipose tissue eosinophils and offer new entry points for therapeutic intervention for obesity and its complications.

Eosinophils are traditionally studied in the context of type 2 immune responses. However, recent studies highlight key innate immune functions for eosinophils especially in colonic inflammation. Surprisingly, molecular pathways regulating innate immune activities of eosinophil are largely unknown. We have recently shown that the CD300f is highly expressed by colonic eosinophils. Nonetheless, the role of CD300f in governing innate immune eosinophil activities is ill-defined. RNA sequencing of 162 pediatric Crohn's disease patients revealed upregulation of multiple Cd300 family members, which correlated with the presence of severe ulcerations and inflammation. Increased expression of CD300 family receptors was also observed in active ulcerative colitis (UC) and in mice following induction of experimental colitis. Specifically, the expression of CD300f was dynamically regulated in monocytes and eosinophils. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated Cd300f-/- mice exhibit attenuated disease activity and histopathology in comparison with DSS-treated wild type (WT). Decreased disease activity in Cd300f-/- mice was accompanied with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and nearly abolished production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Monocyte depletion and chimeric bone marrow transfer experiments revealed a cell-specific requirement for CD300f in innate immune activation of eosinophils. Collectively, we uncover a new pathway regulating innate immune activities of eosinophils, a finding with significant implications in eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal diseases.

IL-13 and IL-4 are potent mediators of type 2–associated inflammation such as those found in atopic dermatitis (AD). IL-4 shares overlapping biological functions with IL-13, a finding that is mainly explained by their ability to signal via the type 2 IL-4 receptor (R), which is composed of IL-4Rα in association with IL-13Rα1. Nonetheless, the role of the type 2 IL-4R in AD remains to be clearly defined. Induction of two distinct models of experimental AD in Il13ra1−/− mice, which lack the type 2 IL-4R, revealed that dermatitis, including ear and epidermal thickening, was dependent on type 2 IL-4R signaling. Expression of TNF-α was dependent on the type 2 IL-4R, whereas induction of IL-4, IgE, CCL24, and skin eosinophilia was dependent on the type 1 IL-4R. Neutralization of IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α as well as studies in bone marrow–chimeric mice revealed that dermatitis, TNF-α, CXCL1, and CCL11 expression were exclusively mediated by IL-13 signaling via the type 2 IL-4R expressed by nonhematopoietic cells. Conversely, induction of IL-4, CCL24, and eosinophilia was dependent on IL-4 signaling via the type 1 IL-4R expressed by hematopoietic cells. Last, we pharmacologically targeted IL-13Rα1 and established a proof of concept for therapeutic targeting of this pathway in AD. Our data provide mechanistic insight into the differential roles of IL-4, IL-13, and their receptor components in allergic skin and highlight type 2 IL-4R as a potential therapeutic target in AD and other allergic diseases such as asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Immunotherapies targeting T lymphocytes are revolutionizing cancer therapy but only benefit a subset of patients, especially in colorectal cancer. Thus, additional insight into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is required. Eosinophils are bone marrow–derived cells that have been largely studied in the context of allergic diseases and parasite infections. Although tumor-associated eosinophilia has been described in various solid tumors including colorectal cancer, knowledge is still missing regarding eosinophil activities and even the basic question of whether the TME promotes eosinophil recruitment without additional manipulation (e.g., immunotherapy) is unclear. Herein, we report that eosinophils are recruited into developing tumors during induction of inflammation-induced colorectal cancer and in mice with the Apcmin/+ genotype, which develop spontaneous intestinal adenomas. Using adoptive transfer and cytokine neutralization experiments, we demonstrate that the TME supported prolonged eosinophil survival independent of IL5, an eosinophil survival cytokine. Tumor-infiltrating eosinophils consisted of degranulating eosinophils and were essential for tumor rejection independently of CD8+ T cells. Transcriptome and proteomic analysis revealed an IFNγ-linked signature for intratumoral eosinophils that was different from that of macrophages. Our data establish antitumorigenic roles for eosinophils in colorectal cancer. These findings may facilitate the development of pharmacologic treatments that could unleash antitumor responses by eosinophils, especially in colorectal cancer patients displaying eosinophilia.

Accumulating data have indicated a fundamental role of eosinophils in regulating adipose tissue homeostasis. Here, we performed whole-genome RNA sequencing of the small intestinal tract, which suggested the presence of impaired lipid metabolism in eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA mice. ΔdblGATA mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) showed reduced body fat mass, impaired enlargement of adipocytes, decreased expression of adipogenic genes, and developed glucose intolerance. HFD induced accumulation of eosinophils in the perigonadal white adipose tissue. Concordantly, adipocyte-differentiated 3T3-L1 cells promoted the migration of eosinophils through the expression of CCL11 (eotaxin-1) and likely promoted their survival through the expression of interleukin (IL)-3, IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. HFD-fed ΔdblGATA mice showed increased infiltration of macrophages, CD4+ T-cells, and B-cells, increased expression of interferon-γ, and decreased expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in white adipose tissue. Interferon-γ treatment significantly decreased lipid deposition in adipocyte-differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, while IL-4 treatment promoted lipid accumulation. Notably, HFD-fed ΔdblGATA mice showed increased lipid storage in the liver as compared with wild-type mice. We propose that obesity promotes the infiltration of eosinophils into adipose tissue that subsequently contribute to the metabolic homeostasis by promoting adipocyte maturation.

IL-4 receptor (R) α, the common receptor chain for IL-4 and IL-13, is a critical component in IL-4- and IL-13-mediated signaling and subsequent effector functions such as those observed in type 2 inflammatory responses. Nonetheless, the existence of intrinsic pathways capable of amplifying IL-4Rα-induced responses remains unknown. In this study, we identified the myeloid-associated Ig receptor CD300f as an IL-4-induced molecule in macrophages. Subsequent analyses demonstrated that CD300f was colocalized and physically associated with IL-4Rα. Using Cd300f(-/-) cells and receptor cross-linking experiments, we established that CD300f amplified IL-4Rα-induced responses by augmenting IL-4/IL-13-induced signaling, mediator release, and priming. Consistently, IL-4- and aeroallergen-treated Cd300f(-/-) mice displayed decreased IgE production, chemokine expression, and inflammatory cell recruitment. Impaired responses in Cd300f(-/-) mice were not due to the inability to generate a proper Th2 response, because IL-4/IL-13 levels were markedly increased in allergen-challenged Cd300f(-/-) mice, a finding that is consistent with decreased cytokine consumption. Finally, CD300f expression was increased in monocytes and eosinophils obtained from allergic rhinitis patients. Collectively, our data highlight a previously unidentified role for CD300f in IL-4Rα-induced immune cell responses. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing IL-4Rα-induced responses, and may provide new therapeutic tools to target IL-4 in allergy and asthma.

Background: Macrophages are heterogeneous cells, which possess pleotropic effector and immunoregulatory functions. The phenotypic diversity of macrophages is best exemplified by the ability of IL-4 or IL-13, two key cytokines in asthma to promote macrophages into a suppressive/anti-inflammatory phenotype (e.g. alternatively activated or M2) whereas exposure to IFN-γ followed by microbial trigger renders macrophages pro-inflammatory (e.g. classically activated or M1). Intriguingly, only limited data exists regarding the expression of miRNA in M2 macrophages. Objective: To define the miRNA profile of M2 and M1 macrophages. Methods: Bone marrow-derived macrophages were activated to classically and alternatively activated states using IL-4, IL-13 or IFN-γ followed by Escherichia coli stimulation. Thereafter, an unbiased miRNA “mining” approach was utilized and the expression of several miRNAs was validated following in-vitro and in-vivo macrophage activation (qPCR). miR-511 over-expression was performed followed by global transcriptional and bioinformatic analyses. Results: We report unique miRNA expression profiles in M2 and M1 macrophages involving multiple miRNAs. Among these miRNAs, we established that miR-511 is increased in macrophages following IL-4- and IL-13-stimulation and decreased in M1 macrophages both in-vitro and in-vivo. Increased miR-511 expression was sufficient to induce marked transcriptional changes in macrophages. Interestingly, bioinformatics analyses revealed that miR-511 altered the expression of gene products that are associated with hallmark alternatively activated macrophage functions, such as cellular proliferation, wound healing responses and inflammation. Conclusions: Our data establish miR-511 as a bona fide M2-associated miRNA. These data may have significant implications in asthma where the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 are highly increased.

Eosinophil accumulation in health and disease is a hallmark characteristic of mucosal immunity and type 2 helper T cell (Th2) inflammation. Eotaxin-induced CCR3 (chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 3) signaling has a critical role in eosinophil chemotactic responses. Nevertheless, the expressions of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-bearing receptors such as CMRF35-like molecule-1 (CLM-1) and their ability to govern eosinophil migration are largely unknown. We now report that CLM-1 (but not CLM-8) is highly and distinctly expressed by colonic and adipose tissue eosinophils. Furthermore, Clm1⁻/⁻ mice display elevated baseline tissue eosinophilia. CLM-1 negatively regulated eotaxin-induced eosinophil responses including eosinophil chemotaxis, actin polymerization, calcium influx, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, but not p38 phosphorylation. Addition of CLM-1 ligand (e.g., phosphatidylserine) rendered wild-type eosinophils hypochemotactic in vitro and blockade of CLM-1/ligand interactions rendered wild-type eosinophils hyperchemotactic in vitro and in vivo in a model of allergic airway disease. Interestingly, suppression of cellular recruitment via CLM-1 was specific to eosinophils and eotaxin, as leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄)- and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α)-induced eosinophil and neutrophil migration were not negatively regulated by CLM-1. Finally, peripheral blood eosinophils obtained from allergic rhinitis patients displayed elevated CLM-1/CD300f levels. These data highlight CLM-1 as a novel regulator of eosinophil homeostasis and demonstrate that eosinophil accumulation is constantly governed by CLM-1, which negatively regulates eotaxin-induced eosinophil responses.

Introduction Tumor-associated eosinophilia has been first described more than 120 years ago, and is frequently observed in many types of cancer. Yet, fundamental knowledge is missing regarding the roles of tumor-associated eosinophils. Since gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the largest eosinophil reservoir in the body and a main organ for eosinophil-mediated diseases, we focused our studies on colorectal cancer (CRC) as a model system to define the roles of eosinophils in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Material and methods Eosinophil infiltration and function were studied in two independent models of colorectal cancer (CRC), representing the genetically driven and inflammation-driven CRC models (i.e. Apcmin/+ model and AOM+DSS treatment, respectively). Results and discussions We report that eosinophils are an integral part of the TME in CRC. Eosinophils are actively and specifically recruited to the TME in both models, where they undergo degranulation. Moreover, we show that a single intravenous injection of eosinophils into eosinophil deficient mice (ΔdblGATA mice) undergoing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) or ΔdblGATA/Apcmin/+ mice resulted in substantial recruitment of eosinophils to the TME, which fosters prolonged eosinophils survival likely via secretion of GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5. Eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA mice undergoing CAC displayed significantly decreased survival, which was associated with increased tumour number and size. Similarly, generation of ΔdblGATA/Apcmin/+ mice revealed significantly decreased survival, which was associated with increased tumour burden, thereby suggesting an anti-tumorigenic role for eosinophils. Importantly, the anti-tumorigenic effects of eosinophils were independent of changes in CD8+ T cells or MDSCs and were accompanied with a specific decrease in anti-active caspase 3+ cells. No changes were observed in the numbers of Ki-67+ or CD31+ cells. Thus, supporting eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity in-vivo. Indeed, eosinophils were capable of killing CRC cell lines in vitro. Conclusion Our data establish key anti-tumorigenic roles for eosinophils in CRC. These findings may facilitate the development of new pharmacological treatments unleashing robust anti-tumour responses by eosinophils and will hopefully lead to the development of innovative eosinophil-oriented ‘checkpoint inhibitors’.

Molecular mechanisms that regulate lung repair vs. progressive scarring in pulmonary fibrosis remain elusive. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are pro-fibrotic cytokines that share common receptor chains including IL-13 receptor (R) α1 and are key pharmacological targets in fibrotic diseases. However, the roles of IL-13Rα1 in mediating lung injury/repair are unclear. We report dysregulated levels of IL-13 receptors in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice and to some extent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated an epithelial cell-associated gene signature that was homeostatically dependent on IL-13Rα1 expression. IL-13Rα1 regulated a striking array of genes in the lung following bleomycin administration and Il13ra1 deficiency resulted in exacerbated bleomycin-induced disease. Increased pathology in bleomycin-treated Il13ra1(-/-) mice was due to IL-13Rα1 expression in structural and hematopoietic cells but not due to increased responsiveness to IL-17, IL-4, IL-13, increased IL-13Rα2 or type 1 IL-4R signaling. These data highlight underappreciated protective roles for IL-13Rα1 in lung injury and homeostasis.

Eosinophilia is a hallmark characteristic of T helper type 2 (TH2) cell-associated diseases and is critically regulated by the central eosinophil growth factor interleukin 5 (IL-5). Here we demonstrate that IL-5 activity in eosinophils was regulated by paired immunoglobulin-like receptors PIR-A and PIR-B. Upon self-recognition of β₂-microglobulin (β₂M) molecules, PIR-B served as a permissive checkpoint for IL-5-induced development of eosinophils by suppressing the proapoptotic activities of PIR-A, which were mediated by the Grb2-Erk-Bim pathway. PIR-B-deficient bone marrow eosinophils underwent compartmentalized apoptosis, resulting in decreased blood eosinophilia in naive mice and in mice challenged with IL-5. Subsequently, Pirb(-/-) mice displayed impaired aeroallergen-induced lung eosinophilia and induction of lung TH2 cell responses. Collectively, these data uncover an intrinsic, self-limiting pathway regulating IL-5-induced expansion of eosinophils, which has broad implications for eosinophil-associated diseases.