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Published on: July 16, 2019
IFN-γ Induces Pleural Mesothelial Cells to Recruit Immune Cells via CXCL10-CXCR3 Axis in a Mouse Pleurisy Model
Shu-Feng Dong1,2, Xin-Yu Shi1, Xiu-Zhi Wu1
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) form the entire surface of the pleural cavity and interact with microorganisms in the thorax. Although PMCs are known to exert multiple immune functions, their role in pleurisy remains unclear.
Methods:
Pleurisy model was induced by intrapleural injection of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) into wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. The pleural cavity was washed with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) to get the immune cells. Flow cytometry was performed to identify the characteristics of the target cells.
Results:
We found that IFN-γ prompts PMCs to act a summon role for the recruitment of inflammatory cells in pleurisy model. Our data showed that CD4+ T cells were the main producer of IFN-γ in the pleurisy model, and IFN-γ stimulated PMCs to recruit immune cells into the pleural cavity through the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis. In addition, IFN-γ can reshape PMCs to display macrophage-like polarization. These results revealed some new immune roles of PMCs in pleurisy.
Conclusion:
In a mouse model of pleurisy, IFN-γ, which is mainly derived from CD4+ T cells, promoted PMCs to recruit of immune cells into the pleural cavity and exhibited macrophage-like polarization.
Insights
Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) recruit inflammatory cells during pleurisy, guided by IFN-γ from CD4+ T cells. These cells also adopt macrophage-like characteristics, revealing new immune functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) line the pleural cavity and have known immune functions.
- Their specific role in pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura, was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune functions of PMCs in a mouse model of pleurisy.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which PMCs contribute to the inflammatory response in the pleural cavity.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of pleurisy was established using intrapleural injection of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
- Immune cells were isolated from the pleural cavity by washing with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS).
- Flow cytometry was employed to characterize the immune cell populations and their functions.
Main Results:
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), primarily produced by CD4+ T cells, was found to induce PMCs to recruit inflammatory cells.
- IFN-γ stimulated PMCs to attract immune cells via the CXCL10-CXCR3 signaling pathway.
- PMCs exhibited a transformation towards macrophage-like polarization in response to IFN-γ.
Conclusions:
- IFN-γ plays a crucial role in orchestrating PMC-mediated immune cell recruitment during pleurisy.
- PMCs demonstrate plasticity, adopting macrophage-like features, which contributes to the pleurisy pathology.
- These findings highlight novel immune roles for PMCs in the context of pleural inflammation.
