Th2 cell extracellular vesicles promote eosinophil survival through the cytokine cargo IL-3 and prolong airway eosinophilia.

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication during immune responses. EVs are abundant in respiratory biofluids, and the composition of EVs in the lung changes during inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the contribution of T cells to airway EVs in allergic lung inflammation and ascertain their function during a type 2 inflammatory response.

METHODS

Genetic membrane tagging was combined with single vesicle flow cytometry to quantify T cell EVs in the airways of mice challenged with ovalbumin or house dust mite. EVs were purified from T helper type 2 (Th2) cell cultures and their functions on eosinophils assessed by flow cytometry and RNA sequencing. Th2 cell EVs were instilled into the lungs of mice to determine effects on lung eosinophilia. Finally, the function of an EV protein cargo was tested using inhibitors and blocking antibodies.

RESULTS

T cell EVs are increased in the airways of mice with induced allergic inflammation. EVs secreted by Th2 cells inhibit apoptosis and induce activating pathways in eosinophils This effect depends on re-stimulation through the T cell receptor. Th2 cell EVs prolong eosinophilia during allergic airway inflammation. Th2 cell EVs carry a potent form of the cytokine IL-3 on their surfaces, which inhibits apoptosis by activating Jak1/2-dependent pro-survival programs in eosinophils.

CONCLUSION

Th2 cell EVs promote eosinophil survival and prolong eosinophilia during allergic airway inflammation. This function depends on the EV cargo IL-3, supporting a role for EVs as vehicles of cytokine-based communication in lung inflammation.

KEY MESSAGES

T cells secrete extracellular vesicles in the airway during allergic lung inflammation.Th2 cell extracellular vesicles inhibit eosinophil apoptosis and prolong airway eosinophilia during allergic lung inflammation.IL-3 carried on Th2 cell EVs is a functional cargo, supporting a role for cytokine-carrying EVs as drivers of type 2 inflammation.

CAPSULE SUMMARY

This study supports that T cell extracellular vesicles may be important drivers of eosinophilic inflammation through the cytokine cargo IL-3, offering new insights into pro-inflammatory signaling in the allergic lung of patients with asthma.