The Tetraspanin Protein CD37 Regulates IgA Responses and Anti-Fungal Immunity

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this is pretty interesting.

The Tetraspanin Protein CD37 Regulates IgA Responses and Anti-Fungal Immunity

In line with our findings, IL-6-deficient mice are more susceptible to C.

albicans and A. fumigatus infection, which is related to decreased neutrophil

effector activity, impaired Th1-mediated immune responses [25], and defective

Th17 responses [35]. Studying Th2/Th1/Th17 cytokine production by

CD37 & #8722;/ & #8722; splenocytes revealed that IL-10 production was comparable

between CD37 & #8722;/ & #8722; and WT splenocytes, and ãIFN production was low but

increased by CD37 & #8722;/ & #8722; cells 3 days after infection (Figure 4A). The

role of IL-6 in inducing Th17 responses is well established in mice.

Accordingly, we observed significantly increased IL-17 production by

CD37 & #8722;/ & #8722; splenocytes upon C. albicans stimulation (Figure 4A). Th17

cells have been implicated as an important effector mechanism against C.

albicans infection [36],[37], although IL-17 may also impair anti-fungal

immunity under certain conditions [38],[39].

In summary, we reveal a unique role for the tetraspanin CD37 in the humoral

immune response; CD37 is a negative regulator of IgA+ plasma cell generation in

vivo and this role is critically dependent on IL-6. Moreover, this is the first

demonstration that tetraspanins may control the immune-mediated defense against

fungal pathogens. This study increases our understanding of molecular mechanisms

underlying the formation of IgA-secreting plasma cells and may contribute to

better insight into anti-fungal immunity.

http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371

2Fjournal.ppat.1000338