Effects of prostaglandin D2 on helper T cell functions

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Apr 16;316(4):1009-14. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.02.151.

Abstract

Prostaglandin (PG) D(2) is abundantly produced by mast cells in the sites of allergic inflammations and acts on various cell types through its receptors DP and CRTH2. Among human T cells, CRTH2 is preferentially expressed on Th2-type cells. However, distribution of DP among T cells and impacts of CRTH2- and DP-mediated signals on T cell functions are presently unclear. Here, we show that CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells producing IFN-gamma and IL-2 were reduced by DP-mediated signals, while CRTH2-mediated signals enhanced IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production by Th2 cells. CRTH2 signals also caused up-regulation of CD11b and CD40L in resting Th2 cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed distribution of DP among Th cell subsets. On CRTH2(+) Th2 cells, the CRTH2-mediated PGD(2) effects were dominantly observed. Thus, PGD(2) favors Th2 functions through CRTH2 while restraining Th1 functions via DP, which may contribute to development of Th2-dominated status in allergic inflammations.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Prostaglandin D2 / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Prostaglandin D2
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor