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Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
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Influenza A virus directly modulates mouse eosinophil responses
Kim S LeMessurier1,2, Robert Rooney1,3,2, Hazem E Ghoneim4,5
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|May 10, 2020
Summary
Eosinophils in allergic asthma dynamically respond to influenza A virus (IAV) infection. These cells up-regulate viral recognition genes and modulate CD8+ T cell responses, offering new insights into respiratory antiviral immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Allergic asthma and influenza frequently co-occur, with asthma potentially mitigating severe influenza outcomes.
- Eosinophils in allergic asthma have been implicated in antiviral responses, but their direct response to influenza A virus (IAV) remains unclear.
- Understanding eosinophil behavior in high viral load environments is crucial for respiratory disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic response of eosinophils to influenza A virus (IAV) infection.
- To characterize phenotypic, transcriptomic, and physiologic changes in eosinophils upon IAV exposure.
- To elucidate the role of eosinophils in regulating antiviral immunity during IAV infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of acute fungal asthma and influenza A virus (IAV) infection.
- Analyzed eosinophil surface marker expression, transcriptomic profiles, and mitochondrial activity.
- Assessed CD8+ T cell expansion in response to IAV-infected eosinophils and T-box 21 (Tbx21) promoter methylation.
Main Results:
- Eosinophils in lymphoid tissues responded to lung IAV infection, altering surface marker expression (e.g., Siglec-F, IL-5Rα).
- IAV-exposed eosinophils showed decreased transcriptional activity and mitochondrial respiration but up-regulated genes for viral recognition (Ddx58, Tlr3, Ifih1).
- Eosinophils pulsed with IAV peptides promoted CD8+ T cell expansion and reduced Tbx21 promoter methylation.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils exhibit a niche-specific, dynamic response to IAV infection.
- Upregulation of viral recognition genes and modulation of T cell responses highlight eosinophils' role in antiviral immunity.
- These findings provide novel insights into eosinophil function during influenza A virus infection and asthma comorbidities.
