Premium
VIP Protects Th2 Cells by Downregulating Granzyme B Expression
Author(s) -
SHARMA VIKAS,
DELGADO MARIO,
GANEA DOINA
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1317.077
Subject(s) - granzyme b , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , granzyme a , granzyme , biology , cytotoxic t cell , biochemistry , perforin , in vitro
Selective differentiation of Th1/Th2 effectors contributes to cell‐ or antibody‐mediated immunity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) induces Th2 responses by promoting Th2 differentiation and survival. Here we investigate the mechanisms of VIP‐induced Th2 survival. Microarray and protein data indicate that VIP prevents the upregulation of granzyme B (GrB) in Th2, but not Th1 effectors. This is the first report of GrB expression and of its involvement in activation‐induced apoptosis of T helper cells. The enhanced responsiveness of Th2 cells to VIP is probably due to the higher expression of VIP receptors and alternative signaling pathways. This study identifies GrB as a new significant player in Th1/Th2 activation‐induced cell death, and characterizes the mechanisms for the protective effect of VIP on Th2 survival.