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Eosinophils express interleukin 5 and granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor mRNA at sites of allergic

D H Broide1, M M Paine, G S Firestein

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego 92103.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|October 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

In asthma, eosinophils at inflammation sites produce Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) mRNA. This suggests an autocrine pathway that sustains eosinophil function during allergic responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) are key cytokines regulating eosinophil activity.
  • Eosinophils play a significant role in allergic inflammation, particularly in asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether eosinophils at allergic inflammation sites in asthmatics express IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA.
  • To determine the cytokine mRNA profiles of eosinophils following endobronchial allergen challenge.

Main Methods:

  • In situ hybridization using 35S-labeled RNA probes to detect IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophils from asthmatic patients.
  • Double mRNA labeling experiments were conducted to assess coexpression of IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA in individual eosinophils.
  • Analysis of eosinophil mRNA expression before and after endobronchial allergen challenge.

Main Results:

  • Endobronchial allergen challenge significantly increased airway eosinophilia in asthmatic subjects.
  • Eosinophils from challenged airways expressed IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA, but not IL-1 beta or IL-2 mRNA.
  • Individual eosinophils exhibited varied cytokine mRNA profiles, with a significant proportion expressing both IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA.

Conclusions:

  • Eosinophils in asthmatic airways can produce IL-5 and GM-CSF mRNA at sites of allergic inflammation.
  • This cytokine production by eosinophils may establish an autocrine mechanism, promoting eosinophil survival and effector functions.
  • Findings highlight a potential self-sustaining loop for eosinophil activity in asthma.

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