IgE actions on CD4+ T cells, mast cells, and macrophages participate in the pathogenesis of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract

Abstract Immunoglobulin E (IgE) activates mast cells (MCs). It remains unknown whether IgE also activates other inflammatory cells, and contributes to the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This study demonstrates that CD4+ T cells express IgE receptor FcεR1, at much higher levels than do CD8+ T cells. IgE induces CD4+ T‐cell production of IL6 and IFN‐γ, but reduces their production of IL10. FcεR1 deficiency (Fcer1a−/−) protects apolipoprotein E‐deficient (Apoe−/−) mice from angiotensin‐II infusion‐induced AAAs and reduces plasma IL6 levels. Adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells (but not CD8+ T cells), MCs, and macrophages from Apoe−/− mice, but not those from Apoe−/−Fcer1a−/− mice, increases AAA size and plasma IL6 in Apoe−/−Fcer1a−/− recipient mice. Biweekly intravenous administration of an anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody ablated plasma IgE and reduced AAAs in Apoe−/− mice. Patients with AAAs had significantly higher plasma IgE levels than those without AAAs. This study establishes an important role of IgE in AAA pathogenesis by activating CD4+ T cells, MCs, and macrophages and supports consideration of neutralizing plasma IgE in the therapeutics of human AAAs.

Keywords

• abdominal aortic aneurysm
• IgE
• macrophage
• mast cell
• T cells