Adenovirus expressing IFN-λ1 (IL-29) attenuates allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in experimental asthma

Li, Y., Gao, Q., Yuan, X., Zhou, M., Peng, X., Liu, X., Zheng, X., Xu, D. and Li, M. (2014) Adenovirus expressing IFN-λ1 (IL-29) attenuates allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in experimental asthma. International Immunopharmacology, 21(1), pp. 156-162. (doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.04.022)

Abstract

Background: Asthma is thought to result from the generation of T helper type 2 (Th2) responses, leading to bronchial inflammation. IFN-λ1 (also known as IL-29) is a recently described member of the IFN-λ family and has been shown to decrease production of Th2 cytokines in vitro. However, the role and mechanism of IFN-λ1 in asthma remain unknown.<p></p> Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the importance of IFN-λ1 in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation.<p></p> Methods: We used a murine model for ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma to examine the effect of intranasal delivery of recombinant adenovirus expressing human IFN-λ1 (Ad-hIFN-λ1) on AHR and allergic airway inflammation.<p></p> Results: Intranasal instillation of Ad-hIFN-λ1 before airway antigen challenge in OVA-immunized mice significantly decreased the severity of AHR and numbers of eosinophils and levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, but not IL-10 and IFN-γ; both in vivo, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in vitro, following stimulation of lymphocytes from spleens with OVA, compared with administration of a control virus (Ad-mock). Furthermore, Ad-hIFN-λ1 treatment inhibited serum IgE secretion and increased numbers of splenic CD4+CD25+FOXP3 + Treg cells. Histological studies showed that Ad-hIFN-λ1 attenuated OVA-induced lung tissue eosinophilia.<p></p> Conclusions: These results demonstrate that delivery of the Ad-hIFN-λ1 can mitigate allergic airway inflammation in experimental asthma. The potent immunoregulatory action of IFN-λ1 may offer a novel therapeutic approach to treat allergic asthma.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Xu, Dr Damo
• Authors: Li, Y., Gao, Q., Yuan, X., Zhou, M., Peng, X., Liu, X., Zheng, X., Xu, D., and Li, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: International Immunopharmacology
• Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
• ISSN: 1567-5769
• ISSN (Online): 1878-1705