Expression of Tim-3 and its relationship with Th17/Treg cytokine in the peripheral blood and airway in asthmatic murine

WANG Yan-li; LU Xiao-xia; CHEN Peng; CHEN He-bin; WANG Ying

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2015.07.017

Abstract：Objective To detect the expression of T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and its relationship with Th17/Treg cytokine isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and broncho-alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) cells in the asthmatic murine model and to investigate the role of Tim-3 in the occurrence and development of the asthmatic inflammation. Methods The asthmatic murine model was established by the method of ovalbumin (OVA) injection and inhalation. The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: the normal control and the asthma group. PBMCs and BALF cells in each group were collected. Expression of Tim-3 mRNA was detected by the real-time PCR assay. Levels of CD4+IL-17+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, reflecting expressions of Th17 and Treg respectively , were detected by flow cytometry. The correlationbetween Tim-3 and Th17/Treg level was analyzed. Results Contrast with the normal control group, the expression of Tim-3 mRNA in PBMCs and BALF cells in the asthma group increased significantly (P < 0.01). OVA sensitization and challenges resulted in the increased CD4+IL-17 production and the decreased CD4+CD25+Foxp3+in PBMCs and BALF cells compared with those in the normal control group (both P < 0.05). The ratio of Th17/Treg significantly increased in asthma group (P < 0.05). Tim-3 mRNA expression in PBMCs and BALF cells was positively correlated with CD4+IL-17+ level and Th17/Treg ratio , respectively , and was negatively correlated with CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ level. Conclusions Tim-3 mRNA level in PBMCs and BALF cells in the asthma group was increased , indicating that Tim-3 might take part in the occurrence and development of asthmatic inflammation and has a very close relationship with the Th17/Treg imbalance.