TSLP Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Nasal Epithelial Cells From Allergic Rhinitis Patients Through...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Airway remodeling is a hallmark of allergic rhinitis (AR), particularly in Asian populations.
• Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key mechanism driving airway remodeling.
• Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is implicated in AR pathogenesis, but its role in TSLP-induced EMT is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of TSLP on EMT in human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) from AR patients.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TSLP-induced EMT in AR.

Main Methods:

• HNECs from AR patients were stimulated with TSLP, with or without a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor (SB431542).
• Expression of TGF-β1, EMT markers (vimentin, FSP1, E-cadherin), Smad2/3, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 was assessed.
• Extracellular matrix components (collagens I and III) and cell morphology were analyzed.

Main Results:

• TSLP increased TGF-β1 expression in a dose-dependent manner.
• TSLP induced EMT, characterized by decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and FSP1, along with fibroblast-like cell morphology.
• TSLP upregulated phosphorylated Smad2/3, indicating activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. These effects were reversed by SB431542.

Conclusions:

• TSLP promotes EMT in HNECs through TGF-β1-mediated Smad2/3 activation.
• TSLP acts as an EMT activator in HNECs.
• TSLP represents a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting EMT and mitigating airway remodeling in AR.