TLR ligands of ryegrass pollen microbial contaminants enhance Th1 and Th2 responses and decrease induction of Foxp3(hi) regulatory T cells

Diana Mittag, Nirupama Priyu Varese, Anja Scholzen, Ashley Scott Mansell, Gillian Barker, Gregory Rice, Jennifer May Rolland, Robyn E O'Hehir

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15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microbial contamination of grass pollens could affect sensitization, subsequent allergic response, and efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy. We investigated whether bacterial immunomodulatory substances can direct PBMC responses of allergic and nonatopic subjects against ryegrass pollen (RGP) toward Th1, Th2, or regulatory T (Treg) cells. Aqueous extracts of RGP with high or low LPS were fractionated into large and small molecular weight (MW) components by diafiltration. CFSE-labeled PBMCs from allergic and nonatopic subjects were stimulated with RGP extracts (RGPEs) and analyzed for cytokine secretion and T-cell responses. High LPS RGPE increased IFN-? + Th1 and IL-4+ Th2 effector cell induction and consistently decreased CD4+Foxp3hi Treg-cell induction. IL-10-producing T-cell frequency was unaltered, but IL-10 secretion was increased by high LPS RGPE. RGPE-stimulation of TLR-transfected cell lines revealed that high LPS pollen also contained a TLR2-ligand, and both batches a TLR9-ligand. Beta-1,3-glucans were detected in large and small MW fractions and were also T-cell stimulatory. In conclusion, coexposure to allergen and proinflammatory microbial stimuli does not convert an established Th2- into a Th1-response. Instead, proinflammatory responses are exacerbated and Foxp3hi Treg-cell induction is decreased. These findings show that adjuvants for specific immunotherapy should enhance Treg cells rather than target immune deviation from Th2 to Th1.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)723 - 733
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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