In:
Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 19, No. 1 ( 2022-01), p. 79-91
Abstract:
The interleukin (IL)-12 cytokine family is closely related to the development of T helper cells, which are responsible for autoimmune disease enhancement or suppression. IL-12 family members are generally heterodimers and share three α-subunits (p35, p19, and p28) and two β-subunits (p40 and EBI3). However, a β-sheet p40 homodimer has been shown to exist and antagonize IL-12 and IL-23 signaling 1 . Therefore, we assumed the existence of a p40-EBI3 heterodimer in nature and sought to investigate its role in immune regulation. Methods The presence of the p40-EBI3 heterodimer was confirmed by ELISA, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting. A p40-EBI3 vector and p40-EBI3-Fc protein were synthesized to confirm the immunological role of this protein in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The anti-inflammatory effects of p40-EBI3 were analyzed with regard to clinical, histological, and immune cell-regulating features in mice with CIA. Results Clinical arthritis scores and the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly attenuated in p40-EBI3-overexpressing and p40-EBI3-Fc-treated mice with CIA compared to vehicle-treated mice with CIA. Structural joint damage and vessel formation-related gene expression were also reduced by p40-EBI3 heterodimer treatment. In vitro, the p40-EBI3-Fc protein significantly suppressed the differentiation of Th17 cells and reciprocally induced CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + (regulatory T) cells. p40-EBI3 also inhibited osteoclast formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion In this study, p40-EBI3 ameliorated proinflammatory conditions both in vivo and in vitro. We propose that p40-EBI3 is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine involved in suppressing the immune response through the expansion of Treg cells and suppression of Th17 cells and osteoclastogenesis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1672-7681
,
2042-0226
DOI:
10.1038/s41423-021-00798-2
Language:
English
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2219471-X
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