Tissue-specific inducible IL-33 expression elicits features of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Background: IL-33 is a type 2 inflammatory cytokine that is elevated in the esophageal epithelium of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) subjects. We previously developed a mouse model of EoE dependent on constitutive overexpression of IL-33 from the esophageal epithelium (EoE33).

Objective: Our objective was to develop an inducible, IL-33-dependent model of EoE and examine induction of EoE-associated pathology.

Epithelial overexpression of IL-33 induces eosinophilic esophagitis dependent on IL-13.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly common inflammatory condition of the esophagus; however, the underlying immunologic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The epithelium-derived cytokine IL-33 is associated with type 2 immune responses and elevated in esophageal biopsy specimens from patients with EoE.

Objective: We hypothesized that overexpression of IL-33 by the esophageal epithelium would promote the immunopathology of EoE.

Eosinophils promote effector functions of lung group 2 innate lymphoid cells in allergic airway inflammation in mice.

Background: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are critical mediators of type 2 respiratory inflammation, releasing IL-5 and IL-13 and promoting the pulmonary eosinophilia associated with allergen provocation. Although ILC2s have been shown to promote eosinophil activities, the role of eosinophils in group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) responses is less well defined.

Objective: We sought to investigate the role of eosinophils in activation of ILC2s in models of allergic asthma and in vitro.

Food-Specific IgG4 Is Elevated Throughout the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Background: Food-specific immunoglobulin G4 (FS-IgG4) is associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, it is not clear whether production is limited to the esophagus.

Aims: To assess FS-IgG4 levels in the upper gastrointestinal tract and plasma and compare these with endoscopic disease severity, tissue eosinophil counts, and patient-reported symptoms.

Methods: We examined prospectively banked plasma, throat swabs, and upper gastrointestinal biopsies (esophagus, gastric antrum, and duodenum) from control (n = 15), active EoE (n = 24), and inactive EoE (n = 8) subjects undergoing upper endoscopy.

Eosinophil Peroxidase Staining Enhances the Diagnostic Utility of the Cytosponge in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Introduction: We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) staining on Cytosponge (CS) samples in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Methods: Esophageal biopsy (BX) samples from adult subjects with EoE were assessed using peak eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf), EPX, and the EoE histologic scoring system. EPX staining and eos/hpf were compared (BX vs CS).