Prostaglandin E2 and T cells: friends or foes?

Abstract

Our understanding of the key players involved in the differential regulation of T-cell responses during inflammation, infection and auto-immunity is fundamental for designing efficient therapeutic strategies against immune diseases. With respect to this, the inhibitory role of the lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in T-cell immunity has been documented since the 1970s. Studies that ensued investigating the underlying mechanisms substantiated the suppressive function of micromolar concentrations of PGE2 in T-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the past decade has seen a revolution in this perspective, since nanomolar concentrations of PGE2 have been shown to potentiate Th1 and Th17 responses and aid in T-cell proliferation. The understanding of concentration-specific effects of PGE2 in other cell types, the development of mice deficient in each subtype of the PGE2 receptors (EP receptors) and the delineation of signalling pathways mediated by the EP receptors have enhanced our understanding of PGE2 as an immune-stimulator. PGE2 regulates a multitude of functions in T-cell activation and differentiation and these effects vary depending on the micro-environment of the cell, maturation and activation state of the cell, type of EP receptor involved, local concentration of PGE2 and whether it is a homeostatic or inflammatory scenario. In this review, we compartmentalize the various aspects of this complex relationship of PGE2 with T lymphocytes. Given the importance of this molecule in T-cell activation, we also address the possibility of using EP receptor antagonism as a potential therapeutic approach for some immune disorders.