Th2 immune responses in GATA-3-transgenic mice infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

To examine the participation of transcription factor GATA-3 in Th2 immune responses in vivo, we generated transgenic mice having several copies of GATA-3 with LCK promotor. Mice were infected with the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus to induce Th2 immune responses. Upon antigen stimulation, IL-5 and IL-13 production of mesenteric lymph node cells from H. polygyrus-infected mice, was significantly enhanced in GATA-3-transgenic mice compared with nontransgenic control mice. However, IL-4 production was the same in GATA-3-transgenic and control mice. H. polygyrus-infected GATA-3-transgenic mice exhibited significantly more peripheral blood eosinophils and total IgE levels compared with control mice. These results suggest that GATA-3 promotes IL-5 and IL-13 production, and that the function of these cytokines results in eosinophilia and hyper-IgE, respectively. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel