Distinct roles of ORAI1 in T cell-mediated allergic airway inflammation and immunity to influenza A virus infection

T cell activation and function depend on Ca2+ signals mediated by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels formed by ORAI1 proteins. We here investigated how SOCE controls T cell function in pulmonary inflammation during a T helper 1 (TH1) cell-mediated response to influenza A virus (IAV) infection and TH2 cell-mediated allergic airway inflammation. T cell-specific deletion of Orai1 did not exacerbate pulmonary inflammation and viral burdens following IAV infection but protected mice from house dust mite- induced allergic airway inflammation. ORAI1 controlled the expression of genes including p53 and E2F transcrip-tion factors that regulate the cell cycle in TH2 cells in response to allergen stimulation and the expression of transcription factors and cytokines that regulate TH2 cell function. Systemic application of a CRAC channel blocker suppressed allergic airway inflammation without compromising immunity to IAV infection, suggesting that inhi-bition of SOCE is a potential treatment for allergic airway disease.

Automated summary

The study reveals that SOCE through CRAC channels plays a crucial role in regulating T cell function, particularly in TH2 cells, by controlling the expression of transcription factors and cytokines. Inhibition of SOCE shows potential as a treatment for allergic airway disease.