Cytochrome P4501-inhibiting chemicals amplify aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation and IL-22 production in T helper 17 cells

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)controls interleukin 22 production by T helper 17 cells (Th17). IL-22contributes to intestinalhomeostasis but has also been implicated inchronic inflammatory disorders and colorectal cancer, highlighting the need for appropriate regulation of IL-22 production. Upon activation, the AHR induces expression of cytochrome P4501 (CYP1) enzymes that in turn play an important feedback role that curtails the duration of AHR signaling by metabolizingAHRligands. Recently we described how agents that inhibit CYP1 function potentiate AHR signalingby disruptingmetabolic clearance of the endogenous ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). In the present study, we investigated the immune-modulating effects of environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on Th17 differentiation and IL-22 production. Using Th17 cells deficient in CYP1 enzymes (Cyp1a1/1a2/1b1-/-)we show that these chemicals potentiate AHR activation through inhibition of CYP1 enzymes which leads to increases in intracellular AHR agonists. Our findings demonstrate that IL-22 production by Th17 cellsis profoundly enhanced by impaired CYP1-function and strongly suggest that chemicals able to modify CYP1 function or expression may disrupt AHR-mediated immune regulation by altering the levels of endogenous AHR agonist(s).