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Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients exhibit elevated histamine, but how histamine exacerbates disease is unclear as targeting histamine 1 receptor (H1R) or H2R is clinically ineffective. We hypothesized that histamine functioned instead through the other colon-expressed histamine receptor, H4R. In humans, UC patient biopsies exhibited increased H4R RNA and protein expression over control tissue, and immunohistochemistry showed that H4R was in proximity to immunopathogenic myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. To characterize this association further, we employed both the oxazolone (Ox)- and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mouse models and also found upregulated H4R expression. Mast cell (MC)-derived histamine and H4R drove experimental colitis, as H4R-/- mice had lower symptom scores, neutrophil-recruitment mediators (colonic interleukin-6 (IL-6), CXCL1, CXCL2), and mucosal neutrophil infiltration than wild-type (WT) mice, as did MC-deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice reconstituted with histidine decarboxylase-deficient (HDC-/-) bone marrow-derived MCs compared with WT-reconstituted mice; adaptive responses remained intact. Furthermore, Rag2-/- × H4R-/- mice had reduced survival, exacerbated colitis, and increased bacterial translocation than Rag2-/- mice, revealing an innate protective antibacterial role for H4R. Taken together, colonic MC-derived histamine initiates granulocyte infiltration into the colonic mucosa through H4R, suggesting alternative therapeutic targets beyond adaptive immunity for UC.

Although chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by Th2 inflammation, the mechanism underlying the onset and amplification of this inflammation has not been fully elucidated. Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells, central inducers of adaptive immunity and critical regulators of many inflammatory diseases. However, the presence of DCs in CRS, especially in nasal polyps (NPs), has not been extensively studied.The objective of this study was to characterize DC subsets in CRS.We used real-time PCR to assess the expression of mRNA for markers of myeloid DCs (mDCs; CD1c), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs; CD303) and Langerhans cells (LCs; CD1a, CD207) in uncinate tissue (UT) from controls and patients with CRS as well as in NP. We assayed the presence of DCs by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.Compared to UT from control subjects (n = 15) and patients with CRS without NP (CRSsNP) (n = 16) and CRSwNP (n = 17), mRNAs for CD1a and CD1c were significantly elevated in NPs (n = 29). In contrast, CD207 mRNA was not elevated in NPs. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD1c(+) cells but not CD303(+) cells were significantly elevated in NPs compared to control subjects or patients with CRSsNP. Flow cytometric analysis showed that CD1a(+) cells in NPs might be a subset of mDC1s and that CD45(+) CD19(-) CD1c(+) CD11c(+) CD141(-) CD303(-) HLA-DR(+) mDC1s and CD45(+) CD19(-) CD11c(+) CD1c(-) CD141(high) HLA-DR(+) mDC2s were significantly elevated in NPs compared to UT from controls and CRSsNP, but CD45(+) CD11c(-) CD303(+) HLA-DR(+) pDCs were only elevated in NPs compared to control UT.Myeloid DCs are elevated in CRSwNP, especially in NPs. Myeloid DCs thus may indirectly contribute to the inflammation observed in CRSwNP.

Objectives/Hypothesis Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by evidence of a vigorous adaptive immune response, and emerging studies demonstrate that some nasal polyps manifest a polyclonal autoantibody response. We previously found that antibodies against BP180, a component of the hemidesmosome complex and the dominant epitope in autoimmune bullous pemphigoid, were found at elevated levels in nasal polyp tissue. Given the critical role of hemidesmosomes in maintaining epithelial integrity, we sought to investigate the distribution of BP180 in nasal tissue and evaluate for evidence of systemic autoimmunity against this antigen in CRS. Study Design Case-control experimental study. Methods The expression and distribution of BP180 in cultured nasal epithelial cells and normal nasal tissue were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Sera were collected from three groups: control, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP. A commercially available ELISA was utilized to compare anti-BP180 autoantibody levels in sera. Results BP180 is expressed in nasal epithelium, but is not confined to the basement membrane as it is in human skin. In cultured nasal epithelial cells, confocal immunofluorescence showed a punctate distribution of BP180 along the basal surface, consistent with its distribution in epithelial keratinocytes. There are significantly higher levels of circulating nonpathologic anti-BP180 autoantibodies in CRS patients compared with normal controls (P

Nasal polyps (NPs) are characterized by intense edema or formation of pseudocysts filled with plasma proteins, mainly albumin. However, the mechanisms underlying NP retention of plasma proteins in their submucosa remain unclear.We hypothesized that formation of a fibrin mesh retains plasma proteins in NPs. We assessed the fibrin deposition and expression of the components of the fibrinolytic system in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).We assessed fibrin deposition in nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects by means of immunofluorescence. Fibrinolytic components, d-dimer, and plasminogen activators were measured using ELISA, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We also performed gene expression and protein quantification analysis in cultured airway epithelial cells.Immunofluorescence data showed profound fibrin deposition in NP compared with uncinate tissue (UT) from patients with CRS and control subjects. Levels of the cross-linked fibrin cleavage product protein, d-dimer, were significantly decreased in NP compared with UT from patients with CRS and control subjects, suggesting reduced fibrinolysis (P0.05). Expression levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in NP compared with UT from patients with CRS and control subjects (P0.01). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated clear reduction of t-PA in NP, primarily in the epithelium and glands. Th2 cytokine-stimulated cultured airway epithelial cells showed down-regulation of t-PA, suggesting a potential Th2 mechanism in NP.A Th2-mediated reduction of t-PA might lead to excessive fibrin deposition in the submucosa of NP, which might contribute to the tissue remodeling and pathogenesis of CRS with nasal polyps.

To cite this article: Keswani A, Chustz RT, Suh L, Carter R, Peters AT, Tan BK, Chandra R, Kim S-H, Azam T, Dinarello CA, Kern RC, Schleimer RP, Kato A. Differential expression of interleukin-32 in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps. Allergy 2012; 67: 25–32. Abstract Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by local inflammation of the upper airways and sinuses and is frequently divided into polypoid CRS (CRSwNP) and nonpolypoid CRS (CRSsNP). However, the mechanism of inflammation in CRS has still not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of interleukin-32 (IL-32), a recently discovered proinflammatory cytokine, in CRS. Methods: We collected nasal epithelial cells and nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for IL-32 by real-time PCR and measured IL-32 protein using ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of mRNA for IL-32 was elevated in epithelial cells from uncinate tissue from patients with CRSsNP compared with patients with CRSwNP (P

Decreased epithelial expression of mRNA for S100A7 (psoriasin) and S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) has been reported in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).We sought to assess whether the expression of S100 proteins is also altered in the sinonasal cavity of patients with CRS.We determined levels of S100 proteins in nasal lavage fluid and sinonasal tissue extracts from patients with CRS using ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis of nasal polyp tissue from patients with CRS with nasal polyps and uncinate tissue from healthy control subjects, patients with CRSsNP, and patients with CRSwNP.Expression levels of S100 proteins were decreased compared with those seen in control subjects in nasal lavage fluid from both CRS groups (P.05). Similarly, tissue expression of these proteins assessed by means of immunohistochemistry demonstrated clear reductions, primarily in the epithelial lining. Interestingly, levels of calprotectin were increased in nasal polyp tissue despite lower levels in lavage fluid. Levels of calprotectin in nasal tissues were correlated with levels of neutrophils, as assessed by means of quantification of neutrophil elastase.Several S100 proteins are in the epidermal differentiation complex of genes and have been demonstrated to play a role in maintenance of barrier function and formation of an antimicrobial shield. We demonstrate significantly decreased levels of expression of S100 proteins in the epithelium of patients with CRS, which might lead to diminished innate immune responses and barrier function. Increased levels of calprotectin in nasal polyp tissue might reflect neutrophil recruitment and a compensatory mechanism. Future studies will be important to determine whether reduced levels of S100 proteins lead to decreased antimicrobial responses in the upper airways and sinuses and whether this reduction plays a causative role in CRS pathogenesis and susceptibility to infectious disease.

Background B-cell responses may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis via local IgA and IgE production and activation of eosinophils and mast cells. B-cell attracting chemokines may therefore have relevance in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) Methods Polyp and inferior turbinate tissues were obtained from CRSwNPs, CRS without NPs (CRSsNPs), and control patients; ELISA and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect levels of protein and mRNAfor selected B-cell chemokines (B-cell attracting chemokine 1 [CXCL13/BCA-1/BLC]), thymus expressed chemokine (CCL25/TECK), mucosae-associated epithelial chemokine (CCL28/MEC), stromal cell–derived factor-1alpha (CXCL12/SDF-1alpha), and selected chemokine receptor genes (CXCR4, CXCR5, and CXCR7). Results BCA-1 and SDF-1alpha protein levels were significantly increased in polyp tissue compared with turbinate tissue from CRSsNP patients and controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Differences in TECK and MEC were not significant. For mRNA, expression of BCA-1 was significantly up-regulated in polyp tissue and levels correlated with CD20 mRNA expression. Additionally, significant up-regulation of mRNA for the SDF-1alpha receptors CXCR7 and CXCR4 was detected in polyps, while there was a trend for up-regulation of the BCA-1 receptor CXCR5. Conclusions Elevated levels of the BCA-1 and SDF-1alpha and their receptors may account for an increased presence of B cells and their products, contributing to eosinophilic inflammation in patients with CRSwNP.

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in mild to moderate asthma may result from airway smooth muscle cell proliferation or acquisition of a hypercontractile phenotype. Because these cells have not been well characterized in mild to moderate asthma, we examined the morphometric and gene expression characteristics of smooth muscle cells in this subgroup of patients with asthma. Using bronchial biopsies from 14 subjects with mild to moderate asthma and 15 control subjects, we quantified smooth muscle cell morphology by stereology and the expression of a panel of genes related to a hypercontractile phenotype of airway smooth muscle, using laser microdissection and two-step real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that airway smooth muscle cell size was similar in both groups, but cell number was nearly twofold higher in subjects with asthma (p = 0.03), and the amount of smooth muscle in the submucosa was increased 50-83% (p0.005). Gene expression profiling in smooth muscle cells showed no difference in the expression of genes encoding phenotypic markers in cells from healthy subjects and subjects with asthma (all p0.1). We conclude that airway smooth muscle proliferation is a pathologic characteristic of subjects with mild to moderate asthma. However, smooth muscle cells in mild to moderate asthma do not show hypertrophy or gene expression changes of a hypercontractile phenotype observed in vitro.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by evidence of a vigorous adaptive immune response, and emerging studies demonstrate that some nasal polyps manifest a polyclonal autoantibody response. We previously found that antibodies against BP180, a component of the hemidesmosome complex and the dominant epitope in autoimmune bullous pemphigoid, were found at elevated levels in nasal polyp tissue. Given the critical role of hemidesmosomes in maintaining epithelial integrity, we sought to investigate the distribution of BP180 in nasal tissue and evaluate for evidence of systemic autoimmunity against this antigen in CRS.Case-control experimental study.The expression and distribution of BP180 in cultured nasal epithelial cells and normal nasal tissue were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Sera were collected from three groups: control, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP. A commercially available ELISA was utilized to compare anti-BP180 autoantibody levels in sera.BP180 is expressed in nasal epithelium, but is not confined to the basement membrane as it is in human skin. In cultured nasal epithelial cells, confocal immunofluorescence showed a punctate distribution of BP180 along the basal surface, consistent with its distribution in epithelial keratinocytes. There are significantly higher levels of circulating nonpathologic anti-BP180 autoantibodies in CRS patients compared with normal controls (P0.05).BP180 is more widely expressed in nasal epithelium versus skin, although it appears to play a similar role in the formation of hemidesmosomes along the basement membrane. Further investigations are ongoing to characterize the pathogenicity of the anti-epithelial antibody response in CRS.

Profound edema or formation of a pseudocyst containing plasma proteins is a prominent characteristic of nasal polyps (NP). However, the mechanisms underlying NP retention of plasma proteins in the submucosa remain unclear. Recently, we reported that impairment of fibrinolysis causes excessive fibrin deposition in NP and this might be involved in the retention of plasma proteins. Although the coagulation cascade plays a critical role in fibrin clot formation at extravascular sites, the expression and role of coagulation factors in NP remain unclear.The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of coagulation factors in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Sinonasal tissues were collected from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for factor XIII-A (FXIII-A) by using real-time PCR and measured FXIII-A protein by means of ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.FXIII-A mRNA levels were significantly increased in NP tissue from patients with CRS with NP (P.001) compared with uncinate tissue from patients with CRS or control subjects. Similarly, FXIII-A protein levels were increased in NP. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that FXIII-A expression in inflammatory cells and FXIII-A(+) cell numbers were significantly increased in NP. Most FXIII-A staining was observed within CD68(+)/CD163(+) M2 macrophages in NP. Levels of FXIII-A correlated with markers of M2 macrophages, suggesting that M2 macrophages are major FXIIIA-producing cells in NP.Overproduction of FXIII-A by M2 macrophages might contribute to the excessive fibrin deposition in the submucosa of NP, which might contribute to the tissue remodeling and pathogenesis of CRS with NP.

Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by T(H)2 inflammation, the role of mast cells is poorly understood.The objective of this study was to investigate the presence, localization, and phenotype of mast cells in patients with CRS.We collected nasal tissue and nasal lavage fluid from patients with CRS and control subjects. We analyzed mRNA for the mast cell proteases tryptase, chymase, and carboxypeptidase A3 by using real-time PCR and measured mast cell protease proteins by using ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.Tryptase mRNA was significantly increased in nasal polyps (NPs) from patients with CRSwNP (P.001) compared with uncinate tissue from patients with CRS or control subjects. Tryptase protein was also elevated in NPs and in nasal lavage fluids from patients with CRSwNP. Immnohistochemistry showed increased numbers of mast cells in epithelium and glands but not within the lamina propria in NPs. The mast cells detected in the epithelium in NPs were characterized by the expression of tryptase and carboxypeptidase A3 but not chymase. Mast cells expressing all the 3 proteases were abundant within the glandular epithelium of NPs but were not found in normal glandular structures.Herein we demonstrated a unique localization of mast cells within the glandular epithelium of NPs and showed that mast cells in NPs have distinct phenotypes that vary by tissue location. Glandular mast cells and the diverse subsets of mast cells detected may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with T(H)2-dominant inflammation, including eosinophilia, which is in contrast to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without nasal polyps (NPs). CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18)/pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine is known to recruit naive T cells, B cells, and immature dendritic cells, as well as to activate fibroblasts. CCL18 is thought to be involved in T(H)2-related inflammatory diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis.The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of CCL18 in patients with CRS.Using NP tissue and uncinate tissue (UT) from control subjects and patients with CRS, we examined the expression of CCL18 mRNA using real-time PCR and measured CCL18 protein using ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.Compared with UT tissue from control subjects, CCL18 mRNA levels were significantly increased in NPs (P .001) and UT (P .05) from patients with CRSwNP but not in UT from patients with CRS without NPs. Similarly, CCL18 protein levels were increased in NPs and UT from patients with CRSwNP, and levels were even higher in patients with Samter's triad. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed CCL18 expression in inflammatory cells, and CCL18(+) cell numbers were significantly increased in NPs. Immunofluorescence data showed colocalization of CCL18 in CD68(+)/CD163(+)/macrophage mannose receptor-positive M2 macrophages and tryptase-positive mast cells in NPs. Levels of CCL18 correlated with markers of M2 macrophages but not with tryptase levels, suggesting that M2 macrophages are major CCL18-producing cells in NPs.Overproduction of CCL18 might contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP through its known activities, which include recruitment of lymphocytes and dendritic cells, activation of fibroblasts, and initiation of local inflammation.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps is an inflammatory condition of the nasal passage and paranasal sinuses characterized by T(H)2-biased inflammation with increased levels of B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), B lymphocytes, and immunoglobulins. Because high levels of BAFF are associated with autoimmune diseases, we assessed for evidence of autoimmunity in patients with CRS.The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of autoantibodies in sinonasal tissue from patients with CRS.Standardized nasal tissue specimens were collected from patients with CRS and control subjects and assayed for immunoglobulin production, autoantibody levels, tissue distribution of immunoglobulins, and binding potential of antibodies in nasal tissue with a multiplexed autoantibody microarray, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.Increased levels of several specific autoantibodies were found in nasal polyp tissue in comparison with levels seen in control tissue and inflamed tissue from patients with CRS without nasal polyps (P .05). In particular, nuclear-targeted autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA IgG and IgA antibodies, were found at increased levels in nasal polyps (P .05) and particularly in nasal polyps from patients requiring revision surgery for recurrence. Direct immunofluorescence staining demonstrated diffuse epithelial and subepithelial deposition of IgG and increased numbers of IgA-secreting plasma cells not seen in control nasal tissue.Autoantibodies, particularly those against nuclear antigens, are present at locally increased levels in nasal polyps. The presence of autoantibodies suggests that the microenvironment of a nasal polyp promotes the expansion of self-reactive B-cell clones. Although the pathogenicity of these antibodies remains to be elucidated, the presence of increased anti-dsDNA antibody levels is associated with a clinically more aggressive form of CRS with nasal polyps requiring repeated surgery.

The polypoid form of chronic rhinosinusitis (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps [CRSwNP]) is a highly prevalent disease that often requires surgical intervention for treatment. Nasal polyps contain large quantities of B lymphocytes and immunoglobulin as well as eosinophils.The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), an important regulator of class-switch recombination and immunoglobulin production, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).We collected nasal tissue and nasal lavage fluid from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for BAFF and B-lymphocyte markers, CD20 and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor, by using real-time PCR, and assayed BAFF protein by using ELISA and immunohistochemistry.BAFF mRNA was significantly increased in nasal polyps from patients with CRSwNP (P.001) compared with inferior turbinate tissue from patients with CRS or healthy subjects. BAFF protein was also elevated in polypoid tissue and nasal lavage from patients with CRSwNP. Immunohistochemistry showed considerable BAFF staining in mucosal epithelial cells in nasal polyps along with unidentified cells in the lamina propria. Expression of mRNA for BAFF in sinonasal tissue was significantly correlated with CD20 and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor in sinus tissue. IgA, an immunoglobulin isotype known to activate eosinophils, was also significantly elevated in the polypoid tissue.Overproduction of BAFF in nasal polyps may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP via the local induction of IgA and activation of eosinophils.

Background Genetic studies on chronic inflammatory diseases have resulted in an emphasis on the epithelial interface with the environment and the genes that influence this interaction. This study examines the expression of key epithelial genes implicated in the pathogenesis of other inflammatory disorders for their role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods Epithelial cells were collected from the inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and/or uncinate from 62 subjects undergoing sinonasal surgery. Patient groups included 21 CRS patients with nasal polyposis, 23 CRS patients without nasal polyposis, and 18 controls. Samples were analyzed for S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, SLC9A3R1, G-protein-coupled receptor for asthma, and serine protease inhibitor kazal type 5 (SPINK5) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze expression of SPINK5 lympho epithelial kazal-type inhibitor (LEKTI) in sinonasal samples. Results Expression of S100A7 and S100A8 was significantly decreased in CRS with and without nasal polyps when compared with controls. S100A9 expression was significantly decreased in CRS without nasal polyps, and SPINK5 expression was significantly decreased in CRS with nasal polyps. SPINK5 (LEKTI) protein was detected in sinonasal tissue and was significantly decreased in polyp samples using IHC. Conclusion This study shows marked reductions in the level of expression of several genes involved in epithelial barrier maintenance and repair in the inflammatory state of CRS.

Epithelial barrier dysfunction is thought to play a role in many mucosal diseases including asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Oncostatin M (OSM), was elevated in both mRNA (28.3 fold, p

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an upper airway disease that affects 30 million Americans and a subgroup of CRS patients also has nasal polyps (CRSwNP). In CRSwNP patients, inflamed sinus tissues can be removed as part of treatment, which provides a unique model system to investigate mechanisms of human mucosal inflammation. We have previously reported local elevations in NP of B cells, antibodies (Ab), and expression of Epstein-Barr virus-Induced protein 2 (EBI2), a marker of extrafollicular plasma cells (PC). To characterize the mechanisms mediating these responses, we assessed B cells from fresh tissue (d0) or after 4 days of culture (d4) from NP, uncinate tissue (UT) or tonsils from CRS and control subjects by flow cytometry. We measured Ab production by multiplex array and assessed formation of B cell follicles by immunohistochemistry. We assessed the Ab repertoire by DNA deep sequencing and by analysis of Ab genes from single cells. We found that NP uniquely supported the accumulation of PC (p10/group). Ab from NP had fewer CDR3 mutations than Ab from UT (p

S U N D A Y 583 Regulation Of Expression Of Pendrin Protein In CRS With Nasal Polyps and In Airway Epithelial Cells Dr. Sudarshan Seshadri, PhD, Dr. Xiang Lu, MD, PhD, Mr. Matthew Purkey, BS, Dr. Tetsuya Homma, MD, Mr. Andrew Choi, Mr. Roderick Carter, BSc, Mr. James Norton, MS, Ms. Lydia Suh, BSc, Dr. Atsushi Kato, PhD, Prof. Pedro C. Avila, MD, FAAAAI, Dr. Anju T. Peters, MD, FAAAAI, Dr. David Conley, MD, Dr. Rakesh Chandra, MD, Dr. Bruce K. Tan, MD, Dr. Leslie C. Grammer, MD, FAAAAI, Dr. Robert C. Kern, MD, Dr. Robert P. Schleimer, PhD, FAAAAI; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. RATIONALE: Pendrin is an anion transporter expressed by airway epithelial cells. Pendrin functions as a regulator of inflammation, mucus production and in the maintenance of air-surface liquid (ASL). We and others reported that expression of pendrin mRNA was elevated in nasal polyps (NP) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study we analyzed the regulation of pendrin protein expression in NPs of patients with CRS and also in nasal epithelial cells (NECs). METHODS: Tissue samples were collected and analyzed by real-time PCR and/or immunoblot analysis for expression of pendrin and various cytokines. NECs were stimulated with various cytokines, dsRNA and rhinovirus to analyze the regulation of pendrin expression. RESULTS: Immunoblot analysis indicated that pendrin protein was increased in NP of patients with CRS compared to control uncinates (3.5 fold, p

Mutants null for the cathepsin B-like cysteine proteinase gene (cpc) of Leishmania mexicana have been generated by targeted gene disruption. The gene deletion was confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with cpc-specific primers and genomic DNA isolated from the mutants. cpc was re-expressed in the null mutants from an episomal vector. Re-expression of the enzyme (CPC) was detected by Western blotting with a specific anti-peptide antiserum. The cpc null mutants grew apparently normally as promastigotes and amastigotes in axenic cultures, but they showed greatly reduced infectivity to macrophages in vitro with only a low percentage of the cells being infected. Re-expression of cpc in the null mutant increased the parasite's infectivity in vitro. The null mutant parasites formed lesions in mice at a similar rate as wild type parasites, although somewhat smaller lesions were produced. The results suggest that although the cysteine proteinase encoded by cpc plays a role in the parasite's interaction with macrophages it alone is not crucial for infectivity or virulence.

S A T U R D A Y 210 Excessive Fibrin Deposition Caused by a Fibrinolytic Disorder Associated with Reduction of Tissue Plaminogen Activator Expression in Nasal Polyps Tetsuji Takabayashi, MD, Atsushi Kato, PhD, Anju Peters, MD, Kathryn E. Hulse, PhD, Lydia Suh, BSc, Roderick Carter, BSc, James Norton, MS, Leslie C. Grammer, MD, FAAAAI, Seong Ho Cho, MD, Bruce Tan, MD, Rakesh Chandra, MD, David Conley, MD, Robert Kern, MD, Shigeharu Fujieda, MD, Robert P. Schleimer, PhD, FAAAAI; Northwestern University Feinberg School Medicine, Chicago, IL, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan. RATIONALE: Nasal polyps (NP) are characterized by intense edema or pseudocyst formation with a high content of plasma proteins, mainly albumin. However, the mechanisms underlying NP retention of plasma proteins in submucosa remain unclear. We hypothesized that formation of fibrin mesh retains plasma proteins in NP.We assessed the fibrin deposition and expression of the fibrinolytic components in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: We collected nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assessed fibrin deposition by means of immunofluorescence. Fibrinolytic components, d-dimer and plasminogen activators were measured using ELISA, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We also performed gene expression and protein quantification analysis in primary airway epithelial cells. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence data showed profound fibrin deposition in NP compared with uncinate tissue (UT) from CRS and control subjects (6.6 fold increase, p

Epstein-Barr virus-induced G-protein coupled receptor 2 (EBI2) is important for the migration of B cells and induction of extrafollicular plasma cells within secondary lymphoid tissues. Recent studies from our group have demonstrated that many molecules associated with B cell survival and plasma cell differentiation (e.g. BAFF and immunoglobulins) were elevated in nasal polyps from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). To investigate whether B cells or EBI2 played a role in CRS pathogenesis, expression of B cell- and EBI2-related genes in nasal tissue from normal controls and CRS patients with (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps was assessed. EBI2 mRNA was quantitated by qRT-PCR, EBI2 protein was measured by western blot, and B cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry. Expression of EBI2 mRNA was significantly elevated in polyp tissue (p

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous chronic disease characterized by local inflammation of the sinonasal tissues. The pathogenesis of CRS remains controversial, but it has been associated with the accumulation of various immune and inflammatory cells in sinus tissue. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of the chemokine CCL23, which is known to bind to CCR1 and recruit monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, in patients with CRS. Methods We collected nasal tissue from patients with CRS and control subjects. We assayed mRNA for CCL23 by using real-time PCR and measured CCL23 protein by means of ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Results CCL23 mRNA levels were significantly increased in nasal polyps (NPs) from patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; P + inflammatory cells occurred only in NPs. Immunofluorescence data showed CCL23 colocalization with eosinophil cationic protein–positive eosinophils. The concentration of CCL23 in NPs positively correlated with the concentration of eosinophil cationic protein, suggesting that eosinophils are major CCL23-producing cells in NPs. Finally, we found that CCL23 protein levels were significantly increased in NPs from patients with CRSwNP with aspirin sensitivity. Conclusion Overproduction of CCL23 in NPs might contribute to the pathogenesis of eosinophilic CRSwNP through the recruitment of CCR1 + inflammatory cells, including monocytes and macrophages, and the amplification of local inflammation.

Psoriasin (S100A7) is a potent antimicrobial peptide produced by epithelial cells. Previous work by our group has demonstrated a significant reduction in both the expression of S100A7, and the activation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) in tissue samples from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) compared controls. To investigate whether these two independent observations were linked, we examined the relationship between pSTAT3 and S100A7 expression in primary human bronchial (NHBE) and nasal epithelial cells (NEC). NHBEs or NECs were stimulated with a variety of known STAT3 activators in the presence or absence of TNF. STAT3 activation was assessed by western blot analysis of phospho-STAT3, while S100A7 gene and protein expression were analyzed by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Among the stimuli tested, IL-22 was the most effective inducer of S100A7 in NHBEs and NECs, and this response was enhanced by TNF (22.3 ng/mg protein and 321.2 ng/mg protein, respectively). Moreover, IL-22 induced phosphorylation of STAT3, and co-incubation with STAT3 inhibitor V resulted in > 75% inhibition of S100A7 protein expression. Interestingly, the TLR3 activator dsRNA, also potently induced S100A7 expression, but this induction was only slightly attenuated by inhibition of STAT3. These data suggest that STAT3 plays a role in the activation and expression of S100A7 in airway epithelial cells, and may be relevant to innate immunity in the airways.

Background Induction of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) has been observed in the airways of subjects with asthma, although its physiologic role in the airways has remained largely undefined. Objectives We sought to test the hypothesis that the mouse 15-LO-1 ortholog 12/15-LO contributes to the development of allergic airways inflammation. Methods Two models were used to evaluate wild-type and 12/15-LO–deficient mice. The systemic model involved intraperitoneal injections of allergen, and the mucosal model involved allergen exposures occurring exclusively in the airways. The systemic and mucosal-specific contributions of 12/15-LO to allergic sensitization and airways inflammation were determined by comparing the results obtained in the 2 models. Results In the mucosal model 12/15-LO knockout mice were protected from the development of allergic sensitization and airways inflammation, as evidenced by circulating levels of allergen-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a; the profile of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; and the expression of cytokines and mediators in lung tissue. In the systemic model 12/15-LO knockout mice were not protected. This suggested the presence of a lung-restricted protective role for 12/15-LO deficiency that was potentially accounted for by increased activation of mucosal B cells and increased production of the known mucosal-specific protective mediator secretory IgA. Conclusions Induction of 15-LO-1 in asthma might contribute to allergic sensitization and airways inflammation, potentially by causing suppression of secretory IgA.