Elevated expression of IL-17RB and ST2 on myeloid dendritic cells is associated with a Th2-skewed eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyps

BACKGROUND: Interleukin(IL)-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) underlie the crosstalk between epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs) during the development of Th2 responses. This study aimed to measure the expressions of IL-17RB, ST2 and TSLPR, receptor of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP respectively, on myeloid DCs in nasal polyps (NP) and evaluate their association with local Th2 inflammation and disease severity in patients with NP. METHODS: Samples were collected from 30 NP patients and 16 control subjects recruited prospectively. The mRNA expression of cytokines, including TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33, as well as interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A in NP and control tissues was examined by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of IL-17RB, ST2 and TSLPR as well as other surface markers on myeloid DCs (mDCs) was examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Increased numbers of total and activated mDCs were found in NP patients. mDCs demonstrated significantly higher expression of IL-17RB, ST2 and TSLPR than those in control tissues. The activated mDCs exhibited up-regulations of OX40L and ICOSL, but down-regulation of PDL1 in NP. Moreover, the IL-17RB, ST2 and TSLPR levels on mDCs were positively correlated with IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP mRNA levels, respectively, in NP. Furthermore, IL-17RB and ST2 expressions on mDCs were correlated with the IL-5 mRNA level as well as eosinophil number in NP. Importantly, the IL-17RB expression on mDCs and the OX40L expression on activated mDCs in NP were positively correlated with CT score and total nasal symptom score. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expressions of IL-17RB and ST2 on mDCs are associated with enhanced local Th2 inflammation in NP, suggesting that mDCs might play a role in IL-25- and IL-33-induced type 2 responses and eosinophilic inflammation in NP. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13601-018-0237-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.