The inhibitory effects of intravenous administration of rabbit immunoglobulin G on airway inflammation are dependent upon Fcγ receptor IIb on CD11c⁺ dendritic cells in a murine model

Immunoglobulins (Igs) play important immunomodulatory effects on allergic asthma. Among these, IgG has been reported to regulate allergic inflammation in previous studies about immunotherapy and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. In this study, to examine the immunomodulatory mechanisms of IgG and FcRs we evaluated the effects of intravenous (i.v.) rabbit IgG administration (IVIgG) on allergic airway inflammation and lung antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. In OVA-challenged mice, IVIgG attenuated airway eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and goblet cell hyperplasia and also inhibited the local T helper type (Th) 2 cytokine levels. Additionally, IVIgG attenuated the proliferation of OVA-specific CD4⁺ T cells transplanted into OVA-challenged mice. Ex vivo co-culture with OVA-specific CD4⁺ cells and lung CD11c⁺ APCs from mice with IVIgG revealed the attenuated transcription level of Th2 cytokines, suggesting an inhibitory effect of IVIgG on CD11c⁺ APCs to induce Th2 response. Next, to analyse the effects on Fcg receptor IIb and dendritic cells (DCs), asthmatic features in Fcg receptor IIb-deficient mice were analysed. IVIgG failed to attenuate airway eosinophilia, airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. However, the lacking effects of IVIgG on airway eosinophilia in Fcg receptor IIb deficiency were restored by i.v. transplantation of wild-type bone marrow-derived CD11c⁺ DCs. These results demonstrate that IVIgG attenuates asthmatic features and the function of lung CD11c⁺ DCs via Fcg receptor IIb in allergic airway inflammation. Targeting Fc portions of IgG and Fcγ receptor IIb on CD11c⁺ DCs in allergic asthma is a promising therapeutic strategy.