Systemic FasL neutralization increases eosinophilic inflammation in a mouse model of asthma

Abstract

Background: Eosinophils and lymphocytes are pathogenically important in allergic inflammation and sensitive to F as‐mediated apoptosis. F as ligand (FasL ) activity therefore should play a role in regulating the allergic immune response. We aimed to characterize the role of FasL expression in airway eosinophilia in A spergillus fumigatus (A f )‐induced sensitization and to determine whether FasL neutralization alters the inflammatory response. Methods: Sensitized B alb/c mice were killed before (day 0) and 1, 7 and 10 days after a single intranasal challenge with A f . Animals received either neutralizing antibody to FasL (clone MFL 4) or irrelevant hamster I gG via intraperitoneal injection on days −1 and 5. FasL expression, BAL and tissue inflammatory cell and cytokine profile, and apoptosis were assessed. Results: Postchallenge FasL gene expression in BAL cells and TUNEL positivity in the airways coincided with the height of inflammatory cell influx on day 1, while soluble FasL protein was released on day 7, preceding resolution of the inflammatory changes. Although eosinophil numbers showed a negative correlation with soluble FasL levels in the airways, MBP ⁺ eosinophils remained TUNEL negative in the submucosal tissue, throughout the 10‐day period after A f challenge. Systemic FasL neutralization significantly enhanced BAL and tissue eosinophil counts. This effect was associated with increased activation of T cells and release of IL ‐5, IL ‐9, and GM ‐CSF in the BAL fluid of mice, indicating an involvement of pro‐eosinophilic survival pathways. Conclusions: FasL activity may play an active role in resolving eosinophilic inflammation through regulating T cells and pro‐eosinophilic cytokine release during the allergic airway response.