Upregulated CCL28 expression in the nasal mucosa in experimental allergic rhinitis: Implication for CD4+ memory T cell recruitment

• We analyzed chemokines/chemokine receptors in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.
• CCR3 and CCR10 mRNA increased in the NALT of allergen-challenged mice.
• Memory CD4+ T cells infiltrated the nasal mucosa after allergen challenge.
• Some CD4+ T cells infiltrating the nasal mucosa expressed CCR3 or CCR10.
• CCL28 was upregulated in the nasal epithelium after allergen challenge.

During nasal immune responses, lymphocytes activated in the nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) are thought to traffic to the nasal mucosa. Here we found a prominent infiltration of CD4+ memory T cells into the nasal mucosa in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. CCR3 and CCR10 mRNA was increased in the NALT, and CCR3- or CCR10-expressing CD4+ T cells were present in the nasal mucosa. CCL28, a chemokine ligand for CCR3 and CCR10, was upregulated in nasal epithelial cells. Our results suggest that memory CD4+ T cells traffic to the nasal mucosa in a process that may involve CCL28 and its receptors CCR3 and CCR10.