Abstract
IgE-mediated stimulation of monocytes regulates multiple cellular functions including cellular maturation, cytokine release, antiviral responses, and T cell priming and differentiation. The high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, is closely linked to serum IgE levels and atopic disease. The signaling molecules which regulate effector functions of this receptor have been well studied in mast cells and basophils, however, less is known about the signaling components, regulatory molecules, and mechanisms downstream of receptor activation in monocytes. This study sought to identify regulators of IgE-mediated cytokine release in human monocytes. SHIP-1 was identified as a negative regulator of IgE-induced IL-10 production. It was also determined that IgE-mediated stimulation and SHIP-1 inhibition decreased antiviral IP-10 production after liposomal poly(I:C) stimulation, indicating differential regulation by SHIP-1 in IgE-driven and antiviral response pathways. Both SHIP-1 and NF-κB were activated following IgE-mediated stimulation of primary monocytes, and NF-κB activation was related to both SHIP-1 and FcεRIα expression levels in monocytes. To our knowledge this is the first study to identify a role for SHIP-1 in regulating IgE-driven responses and antiviral responses in human monocytes. Given the importance of monocytes in inflammation and immune responses, a better understanding of the signaling and regulatory mechanisms downstream of FcεRI receptor could lead to new therapeutic targets in allergic disease.