Esophageal epithelial Ikkβ deletion promotes eosinophilic esophagitis in experimental allergy mouse model.

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic TH2-associated inflammatory disorder triggered by food allergens, resulting in esophageal dysfunction through edema, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling. The role of epithelial remodeling in EoE pathogenesis is critical but not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the role of epithelial IKKβ/NF-κB signaling in EoE pathogenesis using a mouse model with conditional Ikkβ knockout in esophageal epithelial cells (IkkβEEC-KO).

METHODS

EoE was induced in IkkβEEC-KO mice through skin sensitization with MC903/ovalbumin followed by intraesophageal ovalbumin challenge. Histologic and transcriptional analyses were performed to assess EoE features. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to profile esophageal mucosal cell populations and gene expression changes.

RESULTS

IkkβEEC-KO/EoE mice exhibited hallmark EoE features, including eosinophil infiltration, intraepithelial eosinophils, microabscesses, basal cell hyperplasia, and lamina propria remodeling. RNA sequencing revealed significant alterations in IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathways, with decreased expression of RELA and increased expression of IKKβ-negative regulators. Sequencing analyses identified disrupted epithelial differentiation and barrier integrity alongside increased type 2 immune responses and peptidase activity.

CONCLUSION

Loss of epithelial IKKβ signaling exacerbates EoE pathogenesis, highlighting the critical role of this pathway in maintaining epithelial homeostasis and preventing allergic inflammation. The IkkβEEC-KO/EoE mouse model closely mirrors human EoE, providing a valuable tool for investigating disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. This model can facilitate the development of strategies to prevent chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling in EoE.