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Der p 38 is a bidirectional regulator of eosinophils and neutrophils in allergy
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  • Min Hwa Hong,
  • Ayesha Kashif,
  • Geunyeong Kim,
  • Beom Seok Park,
  • Na Rae Lee,
  • Eun Ju Yang,
  • Ji Young Mun,
  • Hyosun Choi,
  • Sang-Hoon Kim,
  • Hyun Jik Kim,
  • Soo Jin Lee,
  • Ji-Sook Lee,
  • Yujin Hong,
  • In Sik Kim
Min Hwa Hong
Eulji University College of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ayesha Kashif
Eulji University School of Medicine
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Geunyeong Kim
Eulji University School of Medicine
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Beom Seok Park
Eulji University
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Na Rae Lee
Eulji University College of Medicine
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Eun Ju Yang
Daegu Haany University
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Ji Young Mun
Korea Brain Research Institute
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Hyosun Choi
Eulji University School of Medicine
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Sang-Hoon Kim
Eulji University College of Medicine
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Hyun Jik Kim
Seoul National University College of Medicine
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Soo Jin Lee
Eulji University School of Medicine
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Ji-Sook Lee
Wonkwang Health Science University
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Yujin Hong
Eulji University School of Medicine
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In Sik Kim
Eulji University School of Medicine
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Abstract

Background: The house dust mite (HDM) is the most common cause of allergic diseases, and TLR4 acts as an overarching receptor for allergic responses. This study aimed to identify novel allergen binding to TLR4 in HDMs and unveil its unique role in allergic responses. Methods: Der p 38 was purified and characterized by LC-MS/MS-based peptide mapping. Biolayer interferometry and structure modeling unveiled TLR4-binding activity and the structure of recombinant Der p 38. The allergenicity of Der p 38 was confirmed by a skin prick test, and basophil activation and dot blot assays. Results: The skin prick test identified 24 out of 45 allergic subjects (53.3%) as Der p 38-positive subjects. Der p 38-augmented CD203c expression was noted in the basophils of Der p 38-positive allergic subjects. In animal experiments, Der p 38 administration induced the infiltration of neutrophils as well as eosinophils and exhibited clinical features similar to asthma via TLR4 activation. Persistent Der p 38 administration induced severe neutrophil inflammation. Der p 38 enhanced cytokine production in human bronchial epithelial cells, which inhibited apoptosis in neutrophils and eosinophils. The mechanisms involved LYN, PI3K, AKT, ERK, and NF-κB. Conclusions: These findings showed that Der p 38 is a bridge allergen between eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation, and contribute to understanding the TLR4-mediated complex pathogenesis of allergic diseases.
01 Oct 2021Published in The Journal of Immunology volume 207 issue 7 on pages 1735-1746. 10.4049/jimmunol.2001144