Peripheral T cell tolerance is an important immunological outcome that inhibits deleterious immune responses to both self and non-self antigens (Ags). Impaired immune tolerance can manifest as either allergic or autoimmune disease. In a murine model of tolerance induced by inhaled Ag, we previously identified regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing Foxp3 and membrane-bound TGF-? (mTGF-?) that functionally suppressed allergic airway inflammation induced by the Ag. We also demonstrated cross-talk between mTGF-? and Notch1 as one mechanism of induced tolerance. With the current concepts of adaptive/induced Tregs (iTregs) and infectious tolerance elicited in response to foreign Ags, we have initiated studies to examine generation of iTregs with a bigger goal of understanding how the function of a Treg can be enhanced and stabilized. Using Foxp3 reporter mice in conjunction with CD11c-DTR mice that express the diphtheria toxin receptor on CD11c cells, we have established a system to determine which dendritic cell (DC) subsets contribute to iTreg induction. In other studies of involvement of Tregs in controlling allergic disease, we have found a role for vitamin D3 in promoting mTGF-? cells in the context of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Given the current interest in vit D3 in regulating allergic diseases with little understanding of how vit D receptor (VDR)-mediated effects cause immunosuppression, we propose to use genetically altered mice to investigate the role of vit D in Foxp3- versus CD11c-expressing cells in iTreg generation. Finally, as proposed in the previous cycle of this grant, we have successfully generated a CD4 T cell-specific inducible transgenic mouse expressing Hes1, a downstream target of Notch1. This mouse was generated to understand the role of Hes1 in Treg-mediated immunosuppression, particularly in the context of inflammation, which compromises Treg function. Our overall hypothesis for this proposal is: Treg induction by inhaled Ag involves a subset of DCs and the process can be enhanced and stabilized by VDR- and Notch1/Hes1 pathways. To address this hypothesis we will:
Aim I. Identify the specific DC subsets in the lung that induce iTregs in response to Ag.
Aim II. Investigate the involvement of vitamin D and VDR in Foxp3+ Tregs versus CD11c+ cells in promoting inhaled tolerance.
Aim III. Study the ability of Hes1, a downstream target of Notch1, expressed in an inducible fashion in CD4+ T cells, to stabilize and preserve Treg function in the lungs of mice subjected to airway inflammation.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of this application is to understand how regulatory T cells are induced in the lung in response to allergens and how their suppressive function can be enhanced and stabilized.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI048927-13
Application #
8234919
Study Section
Lung Cellular, Molecular, and Immunobiology Study Section (LCMI)
Program Officer
Minnicozzi, Michael
Project Start
2011-03-15
Project End
2016-02-29
Budget Start
2012-03-01
Budget End
2013-02-28
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$417,455
Indirect Cost
$141,907
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
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Das, Sudipta; Raundhal, Mahesh; Chen, Jie et al. (2017) Respiratory syncytial virus infection of newborn CX3CR1-deficent mice induces a pathogenic pulmonary innate immune response. JCI Insight 2:
Gauthier, Marc; Chakraborty, Krishnendu; Oriss, Timothy B et al. (2017) Severe asthma in humans and mouse model suggests a CXCL10 signature underlies corticosteroid-resistant Th1 bias. JCI Insight 2:
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Khare, Anupriya; Chakraborty, Krishnendu; Raundhal, Mahesh et al. (2015) Cutting Edge: Dual Function of PPAR? in CD11c+ Cells Ensures Immune Tolerance in the Airways. J Immunol 195:431-5

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