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Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Interleukin-17 in transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis
Jerome J Graber1, S Rameeza Allie, Katherine M Mullen
1The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD 21287-6965, United States.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|April 18, 2008
Summary
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated in transverse myelitis (TM) and early multiple sclerosis (MS). These cytokines increase astrocyte IL-6 production, indicating a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cytokine signaling
- Neuroinflammation
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in transverse myelitis (TM) and correlates with disability.
- Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is known to regulate cytokines that stimulate astrocyte IL-6 production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate elevated IL-17 levels in TM and multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls (HC) and other neurologic diseases (OND).
- To determine the role of IL-17 and IL-6 in astrocyte activation in TM and MS.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of IL-17 and IL-6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants from HC, MS, TM, and OND.
- Cytokine neutralization experiments to assess IL-6 induction of astrocyte IL-6 production.
Main Results:
- IL-17 levels were significantly increased in TM compared to HC, MS, and OND.
- IL-6 levels were also elevated in TM compared to MS and HC.
- Early MS patients (<2 years) showed increased IL-17 and IL-6 levels.
- IL-6 was identified as the primary inducer of astrocyte IL-6 production.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-17 and IL-6 production from PBMCs in TM and early MS contribute to neuroinflammation.
- These cytokines, particularly IL-6, induce astrocyte IL-6 production, suggesting a key pathway in TM and MS pathogenesis.
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