Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 exert differential profibrogenic effects on human lung fibroblasts

Background Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 play an important role in eosinophil chemotaxis and activation in asthma. We previously demonstrated that eotaxin/CCL11 is profibrogenic for human lung fibroblasts. The effect of eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 on lung fibroblasts has not yet been investigated. Objective To evaluate whether eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 modulate fibrotic properties of lung fibroblasts. Methods Fibroblast proliferation was evaluated by means of 3-hydroxythymidine incorporation. Collagen production was assessed by means of 3-hydroxyproline incorporation and biochemical staining. Chemotaxis was determined using Boyden chambers. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin was evaluated by means of immunostaining. Transforming growth factor β1 release was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parametric analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test, was used to calculate statistical significance. Results Eotaxin-2/CCL24 but not eotaxin-3/CCL26 stimulated human lung fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In contrast, eotaxin-3/CCL26 but not eotaxin-2/CCL24 promoted fibroblast migration. Neither eotaxin-2/CCL24 nor eotaxin-3/CCL26 induced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin or transforming growth factor β1 from lung fibroblasts. Conclusions Eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 have differential profibrogenic effects on human lung fibroblasts. These CC chemokines may, therefore, contribute to airway remodeling in asthma.