Chitotriosidase inhibits allergic asthmatic airways via regulation of TGF-β expression and Foxp3+ Treg cells

Abstract

Background

Chitotriosidase (Chitnase 1, Chit1), a major true chitinase in humans, is induced in childhood asthma and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory and tissue remodeling responses. We hypothesized that Chit1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. To identify the role of Chit1, the mechanisms that underlie these contributions and the relevance of these murine findings to childhood asthma.

Methods

Wild type and Chit1-deficient mice and cells in culture were used to define the roles of Chit1 in models of allergic adaptive Th2 inflammation. In addition, the levels of sputum Chit1 were evaluated in pediatric asthma patients and compared to control.

Results

The levels of sputum Chit1 were significantly increased in the patients with childhood asthma. Mice with Chit1 null mutation demonstrated enhanced allergic Th2 inflammatory and cytokine and IgE responses to OVA or house dust mite allergen sensitization and challenge. However, the expression levels of TGF-β1 were significantly decreased with a diminished number of Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the lungs of Chit1^-/- mice compared to WT controls. In vitro, the absence of Chit1 significantly reduced TGF-β-stimulated conversion of CD4⁺CD25^- naïve T cells to CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ Treg cells, suggesting Chit1 is required for optimal effect of TGF-β1 in Treg cell differentiation.

Conclusion

Chit1 plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation and asthmatic airway responses via regulation of TGF-β expression and Foxp3⁺ Treg cells.

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