TNF-α Regulates Mast Cell Functions by Inhibiting Cell Degranulation

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of inducible co-stimulatory ligand (ICOSL) expression in stimulation of mast cells (MCs) by TNF-alpha and the ability of TNF-a stimulation of MCs to influence CD4+ T cell differentiation and function. The mechanisms underlying TNF-a stimulation of MCs were also explored. Methods: Mast cells and CD4+ T cells were prepared from C57BL/6 mice (aged 6-8 weeks). ICOSL expression by MCs was measured by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, and levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma were measured by ELISA. Results: ICOSL expression by MCs was increased by TNF-alpha stimulation, and resulted in interaction with CD4+ T cells. The IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the co-culture system increased, while IFN-gamma levels decreased. Furthermore, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell proliferation was induced by co-culture with TNF-alpha-stimulated MCs. The mechanism by which TNF-alpha stimulated MCs was dependent on the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: TNF-alpha upregulated the expression of ICOSL on mast cells via a mechanism that is dependent on MAPK phosphorylation. TNF-alpha-treated MCs promoted the differentiation of regulatory T cells and induced a shift in cytokine expression from a Th1 to a Th2 profile by up-regulation ICOSL expression and inhibition of MC degranulation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which mast cells regulate T cell function. (C) 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel