Metabolic regulation by prostaglandin E 2 impairs lung group 2 innate
lymphoid cell responses
Abstract
Background: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a
critical role in asthma pathogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is associated with
reduced signaling via EP2, a receptor for prostaglandin E
2 (PGE 2). However, the respective roles
for the PGE 2 receptors EP2 and EP4 (both share same
downstream signaling) in the regulation of lung ILC2 responses has yet
been deciphered. Methods: The roles of PGE 2
receptors EP2 and EP4 on ILC2-mediated lung inflammation were
investigated using genetically modified mouse lines and pharmacological
approaches in IL-33- and Alternaria alternata (A.A.)-induced lung
allergy models. The effects of PGE 2 receptors and
downstream signals on ILC2 metabolic activation and effector function
were examined using in vitro cell cultures. Results:
Deficiency of EP2 rather than EP4 augments IL-33-induced lung ILC2
responses and eosinophilic inflammation in vivo. In contrast,
exogenous agonism of EP4 but not EP2 markedly restricts IL-33- and
Alternaria alternata-induced lung ILC2 responses and eosinophilic
inflammation. Mechanistically, PGE 2 directly suppresses
IL-33-dependent ILC2 activation through the EP2/EP4-cAMP pathway, which
downregulates STAT5 and MYC pathway gene expression and ILC2 energy
metabolism. Blocking glycolysis diminishes IL-33-dependent ILC2
responses in mice lacking endogenous PG synthesis but not in
PG-competent mice. Conclusion: We have defined a mechanism for
optimal suppression of lung ILC2 responses by endogenous PGE
2-EP2 signaling which underpins the clinical findings of
defective EP2 signaling in patients with NERD. Our findings also
indicate that exogenously targeting the PGE 2-EP4-cAMP
and energy metabolic pathways may provide novel opportunities for
treating ILC2-initiated lung inflammation in asthma and NERD.