Abstract
Interleukin-9 is a cytokine produced by Th2 cells and is a candidate gene for asthma and atopy. We have generated IL-9-deficient mice to delineate the specific roles of IL-9 in Th2 responses. Using a pulmonary granuloma model, we have demonstrated a distinct requirement for IL-9 in the rapid and robust generation of pulmonary goblet cell hyperplasia and mastocytosis in response to lung challenge. In contrast, eosinophilia and granuloma formation were not affected. IL-9 was not required for T cell development or differentiation, the generation of naive or antigen-driven antibody responses, or the expulsion of the intestinal parasitic nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Thus, deletion of IL-9 manifests as a highly defined phenotype in Th2 responses modulating mucus production and mast cell proliferation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibody Formation / genetics
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Cytokines / biosynthesis
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / physiology
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Gene Targeting
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Goblet Cells / pathology*
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Granuloma, Respiratory Tract / etiology
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Granuloma, Respiratory Tract / genetics
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Granuloma, Respiratory Tract / immunology
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Hyperplasia
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Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis
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Immunoglobulins / blood
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Interleukin-9 / deficiency*
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Interleukin-9 / genetics*
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Interleukin-9 / physiology
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Lung / pathology*
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Mastocytosis / etiology
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Mastocytosis / genetics*
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Mastocytosis / immunology*
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Mastocytosis / pathology
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Nippostrongylus / immunology
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Strongylida Infections / genetics
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Strongylida Infections / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
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Th1 Cells / cytology
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Th2 Cells / cytology
Substances
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Cytokines
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Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
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Immunoglobulins
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Interleukin-9