DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/KB6C-KZ66

Defense Date

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

John Ryan

Second Advisor

Jennifer Stewart

Third Advisor

Jamie Sturgill

Fourth Advisor

Amanda Dickinson

Abstract

TGFβ is involved in many pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular and allergic diseases. We have previously found that TGFβ can suppress IgE-mediated mast cell activation in human and mouse mast cells in vitro. IL-33 is a recently discovered member of the IL-1 family capable of inducing mast cell responses and enhancing IgE-mediated activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGFβ on IL-33-mediated mast cell activation. Bone marrow-derived mast cells cultured in TGFβ -1, -2, or -3 showed reduced IL-33-mediated production of TNF, IL-6, IL-13 and MCP-1, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TGFβ also reduced expression of the T1/ST2 receptor as well as IL-33-mediated TAK1 and ERK phosphorylation. TGF-ß1 injection suppressed IL-33-mediated production of systemic inflammatory cytokines in vivo. The role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases is incompletely understood. These findings, consistent with our previously reported effects of TGFβ on IgE-mediated activation, demonstrate that TGFβ can provide broad and substantial inhibitory signals to activated mast cells.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

8-7-2015

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