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Metabolic regulation by prostaglandin E impairs lung group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses


AUTHORS

Robb CT , Zhou Y , Felton JM , Zhang B , Goepp M , Jheeta P , Smyth DJ , Duffin R , Vermeren S , Breyer RM , Narumiya S , McSorley HJ , Maizels RM , Schwarze JKJ , Rossi AG , Yao C , . Allergy. 2022 10 14; 78(3). 714-730

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a critical role in asthma pathogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is associated with reduced signaling via EP2, a receptor for prostaglandin E (PGE ). However, the respective roles for the PGE receptors EP2 and EP4 (both share same downstream signaling) in the regulation of lung ILC2 responses has yet been deciphered.

METHODS: The roles of PGE receptors EP2 and EP4 on ILC2-mediated lung inflammation were investigated using genetically modified mouse lines and pharmacological approaches in IL-33-induced lung allergy model. The effects of PGE receptors and downstream signals on ILC2 metabolic activation and effector function were examined using in vitro cell cultures.

RESULTS: Deficiency of EP2 rather than EP4 augments IL-33-induced mouse lung ILC2 responses and eosinophilic inflammation in vivo. In contrast, exogenous agonism of EP4 and EP2 or inhibition of phosphodiesterase markedly restricts IL-33-induced lung ILC2 responses. Mechanistically, PGE directly suppresses IL-33-dependent ILC2 activation through the EP2/EP4-cAMP pathway, which downregulates STAT5 and MYC pathway gene expression and ILC2 energy metabolism. Blocking glycolysis diminishes IL-33-dependent ILC2 responses in mice where endogenous PG synthesis or EP2 signaling is blocked but not in mice with intact PGE -EP2 signaling.

CONCLUSION: We have defined a mechanism for optimal suppression of mouse lung ILC2 responses by endogenous PGE -EP2 signaling which underpins the clinical findings of defective EP2 signaling in patients with NERD. Our findings also indicate that exogenously targeting the PGE -EP4-cAMP and energy metabolic pathways may provide novel opportunities for treating the ILC2-initiated lung inflammation in asthma and NERD.



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