Schnurri-2 regulates Th2-dependent airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness

Schnurri (Shn)-2 is a large zinc finger-containing protein, which plays a critical role in cell growth, signal transduction and lymphocyte development. In Shn-2-deficient (Shn-2(-l-)) CD4 T cells, the activation of nuclear factor-KB is up-regulated and their ability to differentiate into T(h)2 is enhanced. Here, we extend our investigation and demonstrate that Shn-2 regulates T(h)2 responses in vivo using an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. Eosinophilic inflammation, mucus hyperproduction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were all enhanced in Shn-2(-/-) mice. Moreover, eosinophilic infiltration and AHR were enhanced in mice given a transfer of Shn-2(-/-) effector T(h)2. Shn-2 in T(h)2 is thus considered to play an important role as a negative regulator in allergic airway inflammation.