The Effect of Interleukin 25 on Human Th2 Lymphocytes

• Author / Creator

  Bredo, Graeme, K

• CRTh2 (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) is a marker for Th2 cells and activation through CRTh2 stimulates expression of cytokines that are important for allergic responses such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. We have observed CRTh2+ T cells express the IL-25 receptor (IL-25R).
  IL-25 is produced by the epithelium in response to allergens, parasites, and viruses. We hypothesized IL-25 would modulate acquisition of the Th2 phenotype. The effect of IL-25 on Th2 differentiation was investigated by culturing naive human CD4 T cells in the presence or absence of IL-25. IL-25 alone induced expression of IL-4, GATA3 and CRTh2. Head to head comparison with the canonical Th2 cytokine, IL-4, showed that IL-25 was equally effective in inducing IL-4 expression. These findings suggest IL-25 initiates Th2 differentiation and amplifies production of Th2 cytokines. Consequently, IL-25 inducing pathogens such as RSV may play a role in initiating and exacerbating allergic diseases.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Th2
  • Allergy
  • Interleukin 25

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3HT2GK99

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.