Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits the development of experimental autoimmune pancreatitis through IL-22-mediated signaling pathways

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. Activation of the AhR by xenobiotics, microbial metabolites, and natural substances induces immunoregulatory responses. Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a chronic fibroinflammatory disorder of the pancreas driven by autoimmunity. Although AhR activation generally suppresses pathogenic autoimmune responses, the roles played by the AhR in AIP have been poorly defined. In this study, we examined how AhR activation affected the development of experimental AIP caused by the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells producing IFN-α and IL-33. Experimental AIP was induced in MRL/MpJ mice by repeated injections of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. Activation of the AhR by indole-3-pyruvic acid and indigo naturalis, which were supplemented in the diet, inhibited the development of experimental AIP, and these effects were independent of the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells producing IFN-α and IL-33. Interaction of indole-3-pyruvic acid and indigo naturalis with AhRs robustly augmented the production of IL-22 by pancreatic islet α cells. The blockade of IL-22 signaling pathways completely canceled the beneficial effects of AhR ligands on experimental AIP. Serum IL-22 concentrations were elevated in patients with type 1 AIP after the induction of remission with prednisolone. These data suggest that AhR activation suppresses chronic fibroinflammatory reactions that characterize AIP via IL-22 produced by pancreatic islet α cells.

The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer

“…Consequently, AHR-mediated MALAT1 induction amplifies EZH2's histone methyltransferase activity, revealing a novel pathway through which TCDD exposure alters epigenetic status via activation of the AHR-MALAT1-EZH2 signaling axis [159]. In experimental autoimmune pancreatitis, AHR activation augments IL22 production in pancreatic α cells, suppressing chronic fibrotic and inflammatory processes via IL22 production [160].…”

“…The role of AHR as a molecular interface between EDC exposure and the development of various pancreatic diseases, including cancer, is summarized below (Figure 3). are [124][125][126][127], T2DM [138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146], acute pancreatitis [157][158][159][160], chronic pancreatitis [161], and pancreatic cancer [167][168][169][170][171][172][173]. are [124][125][126][127], T2DM [138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146], acute pancreatitis [157][158][159][160], chronic pancreatitis [161], and pancreatic cancer [167][168][169]…”

“…Role of AHR in EDC-mediated pancreatic pathogenesis. The references related to T1DM are[124][125][126][127], T2DM[138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146], acute pancreatitis[157][158][159][160], chronic pancreatitis[161], and pancreatic cancer[167][168][169][170][171][172][173].…”