Anti-TIM1 suppresses airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness via the STAT6 /STAT1 pathways in mice with allergic asthma.

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-1 (TIM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein and has been reported as an molecular mechanism of allergic diseases. This study aimed to explore the effects of anti-TIM-1 monoclonal antibodies (anti-TIM1) on the development of allergic asthma. Female C57BL/6 mice were induced and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and received subsequent intranasal administration of anti-TIM1. The airway resistance of all mice was evaluated using a Buxco PFT system. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of TIM-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The level of cytokine production in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and serum was determined using ELISA. Mucous cells were observed using Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining. In addition, B-cell lymphoma gene 2(BCL2), T-box transcription factor (T-bet), GATA binding protein-3(GATA3), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1, STAT6 were analyzed by western blot analysis. Their corresponding mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative PCR. The mRNA expression level of Mucin 5AC in the lung tissues was also detected using quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that the intranasal administration of anti-TIM1 ameliorated airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in an acute model of asthma. Following administration of anti-TIM1, both the mRNA and protein levels of T-bet were upregulated, while those of BCL2 and GATA3 were downregulated. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of STAT1 and STAT6 were increased. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that intranasal administration of anti-TIM1 ameliorated allergic lung inflammation and remodeling in mouse models of asthma by repairing both the STAT1 and STAT6 pathways.