Th2 Cell Activation in Chronic Liver Disease Is Driven by Local IL33 and Contributes to IL13-Dependent Fibrogenesis

Type 2 immune responses contribute to liver fibrosis in parasite infections, but their role in other liver diseases is less well understood. Here, we aimed at unravelling mechanisms involved in T helper 2 (Th2) T-cell polarization, activation, and recruitment in human liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Tissues, cells, and serum from human livers were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunostaining, flow cytometry, and various functional in vitro assays. Cellular interactions and soluble mediators involved in T-cell polarization and recruitment were studied, as well as their effect on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis.

In human liver fibrosis, a stage-dependent increase in Th2-related transcription factors, Th2 cytokines, and trans-acting T-cell-specific transcription factor-expressing T cells was observed, and was highest in cirrhotic livers. The alarmin interleukin (IL)33 was found to be increased in livers and sera from patients with cirrhosis, to act as a chemotactic agent for Th2 cells, and to induce type 2 polarization of CD4+ T cells. Oval cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, intrahepatic macrophages, and migrating monocytes were identified as sources of IL33. IL33-activated T cells, but not IL33 alone, induced HSC activation, as shown by Ki67 and α-smooth muscle actin staining, increased collagen type I alpha 1 chain messenger RNA expression, and wound healing assays. The profibrotic effect of IL33-activated T cells was contact-independent and could be antagonized using monoclonal antibodies against IL13.

In patients with chronic liver disease, the alarmin IL33 promotes the recruitment and activation of CD4+ T cells with Th2-like properties, which activate paracrine HSC in an IL13-dependent manner and promotes fibrogenesis.