Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate interferes with T-follicular helper cell differentiation and cytokine secretion through signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member-1

Abstract Exposure to the widely-used phthalate plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) has been shown to be closely related to an increased prevalence of allergic diseases in infants and juveniles. Earlier work in our laboratory found that DEHP-related anaphylactic responses could be ascribed to T-follicular helper (Tfh) cell hyperfunction directly. The Tfh cell, a newly identified CD4+ TH cell subset, until recently has been considered as a key player in humoral immunity. Tfh cells can respond to stimulation through various receptors. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member-1 (SLAMF1, CD150) is a surface co-stimulatory receptor that can bind to an intracytoplasmic adaptor signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP) to initiate downstream signaling cascades, regulating some events of immune response. The present study explored the role of SLAMF1 in Tfh cell differentiation and cytokine secretion under the condition of DEHP exposure. Using a weanling mice model of DEHP gavage with ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization, it was found that DEHP acted as an immunoadjuvant to elevate SLAMF1 and SAP expression in host Tfh cells. Ex vivo studies of effects from DEHP exposure on Tfh cells from OVA-sensitized hosts showed that DEHP acted in an adjuvant-like manner to promote the expression of adaptor protein SAP, transcription factors Bcl-6 and c-MAF, and cytokines interleukin (IL)-21 and IL-4 in Tfh cells. Transfection of these Tfh cells with Slamf1 small interfering RNA prior to exposure to the DEHP attenuated the over-expression of these molecules that was caused by the DEHP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that DEHP, via a SLAMF1-mediated pathway, can impact on Tfh cell differentiation and their ability to form select cytokines.