CD8 T cells inhibit IgE via dendritic cell IL-12 induction that promotes Th1 T cell counter-regulation

Th1 and Th2 cells are counterinhibitory; their balance determines allergic sensitization. We show here that CD8 T cell subsets break these rules as both T cytotoxic (Tc)1 and Tc2 cells promote Th1 over Th2 immunity. Using IL-12(-/-), IFN-gamma (-/-), and OVA(257-264)-specific V alpha 2V beta5 TCR-transgenic mice, we have identified the key steps involved. OVA-specifie IFN-gamma (-/-) CD8 T cells inhibited IgE responses equivalent to wild-type CD8 T cells (up to 98% suppression), indicating that CD8 T cell-derived IFN-gamma was not required. However, OVA-specific CD8 T cells could not inhibit IgE in IFN-gamma (-/-) recipients unless reconstituted with naive, wild-type CD4 T cells, suggesting that CD4 T cell-derived IFN-gamma did play a role. Transfer of either Tel or Tc2 V alpha 2V beta5 TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells inhibited IgE and OVA-specific Th2 cells while promoting OVA-specific Th1 cell responses, suggesting a potential role for a type I inducing cytokine such as IL-12. CD8 T cells were shown to induce IL-12 in OVA(257-264)-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) in vitro. Furthermore, CD8 T cells were unable to inhibit IgE responses in IL-12(-/-) recipients without the addition of naive, wild-type DC, thus demonstrating a pivotal role for IL-12 in this mechanism. These data reveal a mechanism of IgE regulation in which CD8 T cells induce DC IL-12 by an IFN-gamma -independent process that subsequently induces Th1 and inhibits Th2 cells. Th1 cell IFN-gamma is the final step that inhibits B cell IgE class switching. This demonstrates a novel regulatory network through which CD8 T cells inhibit allergic sensitization.